- The 'O' came from the abbreviation of Organic to 'O' and then compounded or blended with the clipping of Chemistry to "chem". At Rice and many other universities, organic chemistry is referred to as "orgo". But in other colleges like the University of Texas at Austin and Northwestern University, organic chemistry is referred to as O-chem. The reason behind the difference is unknown.
Ochem
other word formation type Noun
refers to the dreaded class, Organic Chemistry.
Etymology : Abbreviation of Organic to "O" compounded to the clipping of Chemistry to "Chem"
Source : "Yeah, I'm taking ochem this semester." A friend from UT in Austin. (9/1/11)
Last modified: 2 December 2011