The University of Georgia and University of Florida football teams’ mascots glare at each other, frightening the person who stands in between them. Webmaster Anna Shaikun pokes fun at how Georgia football fans become emotional and defensive over their team. Graphic by Antonio Starks
Webmaster Anna Shaikun offers a guide on how to deal with University of Georgia football fans.
Athens, Georgia. A lovely Southern town, known for its architecture, music scene and of course, its beautiful university. Slightly less well-known are the hordes of University of Georgia football fans (Tailgaitis dawgus) that frequent the area.
UGA college football fans, also known as ‘Dawgs,’ include both UGA alumni and Georgia residents who were accepted into the culture. Physical appearances vary from fan to fan, but you can identify one by their signature red and black attire.
While they may look unassuming, these fans are whipped into a frenzy every Saturday evening during the football season.
Do not, under any circumstances, say, imply, or even think that the UGA football team will lose their game.
Dawgs assert their dominance by yelling at the TV screen, or for those fortunate enough to be near the field, at the players themselves. The dominant Georgia fan in a household is usually the adult who can ‘game-scream’ the loudest.
When interacting with Georgia fans on Saturdays, one must be very cautious. “Gameday” turns normally reasonable fans superstitious.
Do not, under any circumstances, say, imply, or even think that the UGA football team will lose their game. Dawgs will take this as an insult or bad omen, and will immediately turn on you. Those unfamiliar with you may accuse you of being a rival sympathizer (see below).
However, be cautious to not say, imply or think that the football team will win their game. While less risky, most Dawgs view this as a jinx of some sort, and will act unfriendly towards you until distracted.
Dawgs are an extremely territorial group. Those in the Athens area, especially, expect others to be football-neutral if not supportive of the Georgia Bulldogs. Those who are affiliated with another school are usually shunned at best and humiliated at worst.
Athens-based Georgia fans are an extremely territorial group. Dawgs in the Athens area expect others to be football-neutral if not supportive of the Georgia Bulldogs.
Fans of less powerful schools are usually ignored by Dawgs, but Florida Gators and members of the Crimson Tide are not welcome in “Dawg Territory.”
Dawgs often become overly excited when it comes to their football, but they can potentially be reasoned with. Keep the preceding tips and observations in mind, stay out of the way on game day and just remember: Go, Dawgs!
