The Rice University Neologisms Database

A slang term for an elevator. The term vator is a slang term used at Sid Richardson College in Rice University to refer to the elevators in the building. Because Sid Ricahrdson College is the tallest building on campus, the elevators help define the identity of the college and all of its students. Furthermore, all students must use the elevators multiple times everyday. It is this prevalence in Sid Richardson culture that caused the elevators to be referred to as vators, a simple clipping. The term is also used as a shibboleth for those in the college.