What does anthro mean?
"Anthro" is an informal shortening of "anthropology," the academic discipline devoted to the study of humanity — including human societies, cultures, languages, biological evolution, and the human past through archaeology. The clipped form is heard most often on university campuses, where students speak of being an "anthro major," taking an "anthro class," or working within the "anthro department." It carries a casual, conversational register: natural in speech and informal writing, but out of place in scholarly prose, official documents, or published work, where the full word "anthropology" is expected. The term derives ultimately from the Greek "anthrōpos," meaning "human being," the same root that gives us "anthropoid," "philanthropy," and "misanthrope." Though modest as a word, "anthro" usefully signals insider familiarity with the discipline, much like "psych" for psychology or "bio" for biology.
nounAn informal shortening of "anthropology," the study of humans, their societies, cultures, and physical development. It is used chiefly in casual academic contexts, such as student conversation about courses or degree programs.
- The academic discipline of anthropology, especially as a course of study or department (informal).
"She switched from biology to anthro in her second year and never looked back."
"He's taking an anthro course this semester to fulfill his social science requirement."
"The anthro department moved to the new building last fall."
Rarely pluralized; when it occurs, "anthros" may refer to multiple anthropology courses or departments in very casual speech.
"I'm enrolled in two anthros this term — cultural and linguistic."
Students have been casually clipping "anthropology" down to "anthro" for decades — one of the rare academic subjects with a nickname you can actually major in.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of anthro
"Anthro" arose as a colloquial clipping of "anthropology," a word formed in the early modern era from Greek roots: "anthrōpos" (human being) combined with "-logia" (study). The Greek root "anthrōpos" also underlies related English words such as "anthropoid," "anthropomorphic," "philanthropy," and "misanthrope." The abbreviated form developed informally, primarily in American academic settings, as students and faculty shortened the discipline's name in everyday speech.
How anthro is actually used
"Anthro" is informal and conversational, common among students and faculty but avoided in formal writing, where "anthropology" is preferred. It typically refers to the field of study rather than to research findings themselves.
Easily confused with anthro
"Anthro" is merely the informal abbreviation of "anthropology," which is the full formal name of the academic discipline.