It was interesting to note the variety of responses regarding “Toots.”

I first entered Tech in the mid 1960s. At that time the prevalent story was that when the school began training engineers, the locals figured they were train drivers and referred to the students as “Dem dere toots.” There was no mention of any other origin.

I spent a few years in the USAF before returning to complete my degree. When I came back to Tech in early 1974, the popular explanation for the term “toots” had changed to “Tech Out Of Towners.” I guess by then we had entered the age of the acronym.

One thing hadn’t changed – a local Maki was still a local Maki. I should know – I married one, also a Tech alum.

Tom Wells
BSCE 1975