DictionarygopherUniversity affiliation
proper noun

gopher

A member or supporter of the University of Minnesota community.

As a proud Gopher, she cheers for the University of Minnesota.

Etymology

The university name draws on Minnesota’s Gopher State nickname. It became the team identity and then a label for members or supporters of the university community.

More examples

  • The new Gophers gather on campus for freshman orientation.
  • He remains a loyal Gopher long after graduating from Minnesota.
  • Every Gopher on the team works hard at practice.

Forms

Gopher · Gophers