"Frat", derogatory?

[Emilitab]

I agree that the term "Frat" can be offensive when used in the wrong context, such as people who just think of Fraternities as free party spots. After being in a sorority for a year and seeing how much there is to Greek Life and everything that both Sororities and Fraternities have to do, fraternity is definately a better word to capture the real ideals of a fraternity.

[Emilitab]

I agree that "frat" can be an offensive term. Before I became familiar with Greek Life and the activities and duties each Chapter has, "frats" just seemed like the place to go where cool parties were. Animal House and wild parties come to mind with the word frat, as opposed to fraternity which encompases everything from brotherhood, to philanthropic activies, to everything else that is included in Fraternity life.