This piece of folk speech was shared with me by S., a student in Los Angeles, CA.

Text: “DLAM”

“DLAM (Delta love and mine) to me is a phrase that reminds our Tri Delta community and our members of the love and relationships present in this sisterhood. It’s something that goes hand in hand with Tri Delta and our values, equating whatever Delta’s love is to my love. Whenever we spend time together or message each other online, we will end it with a DLAM as another way to cheer and support one another. By showing our love for this chapter and one another, we enforce the phrase Delta love and mine.”

Context: S. is a part of Tri Delta sorority at USC. This phrase is a form of in-group language in that it reinforces shared identity and among members of Tri Delta sorority and the group’s shared ideals of affection, unity, and commitment. It’s meaningful to people in the group and serves as a bond between members. It can also be used ritualistically as it continues through new generations of sorority members. When new members learn this phrase, they become a part of the group.