How Well Do You Know The Grey's Anatomy Lingo? Take This Quiz To Find Out!
- by Nicole
- – on
- in Movies and TV
Grey's Anatomy has taught us so much. Real fans, who have seen every episode at least five times will truly understand the gravity of the way most words and phrases are used. You should know exactly what each acronym stands for after 14 seasons as well!
That being said, you may also feel like you are a qualified doctor who could do a Whipple in the OR so that your patient doesn't code or end up gorked. Seriously! These are really important things you need to know so that you stay in the loop while manning the pit. Also, if you really want to 'talk girl' you will need to know who, or what, a McDreamy and a McSteamy is.
You want to be sure to avoid 'The Syph' at all costs. Calling it really sucks, so watch out that you don't let yourself get all dark and twisty about it. At least you are not 007! Although, we wouldn't mind having a body like Bethany Whisper. We could hook you up with a sparkle pager, but only if you can do an appy with the attending.
Are you ready to grab that 10-blade? But if your patient is DNR we suggest you step back! Take the quiz to see how well you understand the lingo!
What is a '10-blade'?
This is something we often hear while watching out favorite doctor's working on their patients in the OR. They will usually ask an assistant to pass this item to them so that thy can start working. We know that one should always be very careful when working with one of these as you wouldn't want anyone to get hurt. This item is also known as a scalpel. Select the correct answer below which accurately explains what a 10-blade really is.
What does '007' mean?
If you have been paying attention you will remember that '007' is used by Alex Karev in the first episode of the first season. Preston Burke selects an intern who has the most promise. This intern gets to perform his first solo surgery. This lucky intern was none other that petrified George O'Malley. George is like Bambi. He is actually farly timid and not very outspoken. Of course, all of his peers bet against him and say he will mess up the surgery.
What does 'ER' stand for?
This is an acronym you'll hear in almost every single episode of Grey's Anatomy. The question is, do you even know what it means? It could be just about anything... But, we'll give you a hint! It is where all the action happens... No, we guarantee that it is not an on-call room. There are also a few other names that are used to describe this particular thing. It is also known as 'the pit' and as a 'trauma unit'.
What is an 'Attending'?
Almost every profession has a hierarchy which needs to be established and followed to ensure smooth sailing at all times In the medical industry this is also true. You have residents, chiefs, interns, attending, nurses, matrons and more. Our favorite doctor often pull rank and they are not afraid to do this if it's called for. Have you ever paid attention to what these ranks are? Or have you noticed that different ranks have different color scrubs on Grey's Anatomy?
What does 'Code Black' mean?
In the medical practice we use code words because sometimes you don't need the patients or other people to actually know what is going on. This is like a need to know basis. There are some things that only a select few need to know... A 'green' patient is someone who can walk and talk, but is injured. A 'yellow' patient needs some medical attention but they are not in immediate danger. A 'red' patient is critical and a 'blue' patient is dead.
What does 'DNR' mean?
As a doctor you are going to come across some really strange requests and acronyms. These will all take some getting used to. One very popular acronym you will hear in Grey's Anatomy is 'DNR'. This is very popular among patients. It could mean a variety of things... does it mean 'Do Not Rescue', 'Did Nothing Really', 'Do Not Resuscitate'. or maybe even 'Do Not Remove'... It makes sense, if you didn't treat the patient then 'Did Nothing Really' is appropriate.
Post operative fever can be popular in patients. What are the '5 W's'?
In the first season, episode one, we meet all of the interns. One of which is Alex Karev. He is an arrogant jerk most of the time who doesn't take the time to diagnose his patients properly. One of them ends up getting more and more ill. Luckily, Meredith is able to help thanks to her attention to detail and bedside manner. She explains that post-op patients usually show signs from one of five the five "W's". DO you remember what they are?
What, or who, is 'McDreamy'?
These doctors love to make up their own rules as they go along, that includes new words. We know that Meredith had a doll called Anatomy Jane with detachable organs. Since she didn't know the real names of the organs she gave them made up ones. This is what they do as adults as well. They rename things and we just have to follow suit or w will miss the bus - and the topic - completely. With a show that evolves as quickly as Grey's Anatomy you need to make sure that you are always in the loop!
What does "Your're My Person" mean?
This is a phrase we become very familiar with over the fourteen seasons of Grey's Anatomy. It was first introduced to us in the first season. Cristina finds out that she is pregnant with Preston Burke's child. And she has absolutely no desire to be a mother. So she decides to have an abortion. However, she has to list someone as an emergency contact. Since she doesn't want Preston to know about it, she has to make a plan to put a name down...
What does 'appy' mean?
This is a term which is also very familiar to the fans and cast of Grey's Anatomy. Do you know what it actually means? Maybe it is the nickname given to Addison Montgomery Shepherd? Maybe it's an apprentice which is also like an intern? Is it the name given to an aortic aneurysm (a weakening in an artery). Or is it the nickname given to a surgery to remove a patient's appendix? Select the correct answer below to find out!
What is a 'Code Blue'?
As we mentioned earlier, there are various codes used in this series, which have a meaning that is understood by everyone in the applicable profession. It is usually a very short description, often one word, which says so much more. The doctors often use these codes as signals, and this helps to get the message across quickly and efficiently. Do you remember what a 'code blue' means in the hospital setting? Does it mean there is a flood in the hospital?
What is a 'MRI/CT'?
You may often hear this term being thrown around by the doctors on a regular basis, but do you know what it actually means? It's something that is vital in the hospital setting, and no hospital would function without it. Have you been paying attention to what this means or what this is? Is it something they use to do surgery? Or is it maybe a type of procedure that is done only by attendings? Select the correct answer below!
What is a 'Fallopian tube'?
Tubing is really something we don't often take notice of, but it's a vital part of the medical system. It's how patient's get their oxygen supply. It's how medicine gets in to a vein. It's also used to maintain an airway when a patient can't keep their own one open. Have you ever heard of this specific one though? It has also been used in Grey's Anatomy by the doctors we love. The correct answer is below - what is it?
True or False: 'The Pit' is the Denny Duquette Memorial Clinic
Izzie falls in love with a patient named Denny Duquette. She goes to some extremes to help push him up on the transplant list, getting herself and her friends in trouble. Nonetheless, he passes away eventually. He leaves a massive sum of money to Izzie - although they weren't yet married. She uses the money to open a free clinic for those who can't afford medical care, and she names it The Denny Duquette Memorial Clinic. Is it also known as 'The Pit'?
What is so special about the 'Sparkle Pager'?
Pagers play a really big role in this hospital. Each doctor has one. It's used to call the doctors for certain emergency cases. In one particular episode Meredith wins this pager in a competition. But what is so special about it? It it the fact that it was bedazzled? And that it is a shiny shiny pager? Meredith eventually lets Cristina have it to try and cheer her up. Of course, this helps to pull Yang out of her dark and twistiness.
'Shot gun!' What is this?
Flashback to season one, episode one. Katy comes in to the hospital, and she is our favorite intern's first patient. She is having seizures and not even the brain surgeon can figure out why... Initially, they think that it could be a cardiac issue so Dr Preston Burke is allocated to the case. When he meets Katy for the first time he orders a 'shot gun'! What does that even mean? A shot gun as treatment sounds a little bit harsh...
What is 'ETA'?
This is another short acronym that is often used by the dedicated doctors. Sometimes you may even hear a nagging nurse mention it too. Once again, this could be just about anything... Have you figured out what it really means in the Grey's Anatomy setting? Since they often twist words to mean something it isn't. This is actually an acronym that is used all over the world (in real life) too, so you probably have heard of it before. At least we hope you have!
What does 'Gorked' mean?
Believe it or not, 'Gork' is an actual medical term. It's not just something that was made up on Grey's Anatomy... This word is also used often (and usually inappropriately) by these doctors. Don't go cheating and searching for the meaning in the closest dictionary! Let's test your knowledge and how much you have been paying attention... Here's a hint - Bailey moans at Cristina for referring to a patient without using his name. She says he is not 'gorked-guy'...
What does 'GSW' mean?
Many patients come in to the hospital with a GSW. Does it maybe mean 'Got Sexy Wife'? After all, there are some really nice looking wives that accompany their spouses. If your obsessed with Whipples, like Yang, maybe it's short for 'Get Some Whipple'. Perhaps it means 'George Sold Wood'? Well leave that to your imagination to do with as you wish. Maybe it means a 'Gun Shot Wound'? Would that be an appropriate acronym for that type of diagnosis though?
What is this 'Post-it'?
Post-it's are often mentioned in Grey's Anatomy. But, what is it really? Remember, we are using these terms in the Grey's Anatomy setting and the answers are what these doctors used them for. That being said, what is a post-it in relation to Grey's Anatomy. Here's a hint, it was something that Derek and Meredith both shared. Do you know the significance of it? If you don't, maybe you've just never seen the show, or maybe you're just really behind. Eep!
'Dark and Twisty' means...
This is something you can be. It is something that Meredith, Cristina and Izzie have all been at some stage of their lives. Cristina also asks Meredith to make sure that Owen doesn't become dark and twisty as well. Do you know what they mean when they say this? Does it mean that they are just fine? Maybe it means they are happy go lucky? It could even mean that someone is depressed. For all we know, it could mean you're excited!
'Call it! means...
This is something we hear way too often in our favorite series. Not everyone actually wants to call it, but unfortunately it comes with the territory. Do you know if it means that someone must declare the time of death of a patient? Or does it mean that you must page an Attending. Given all the medical emergencies they deal with, it could even mean someone must phone and ambulance. Meredith and Cristina could even use this as code for tequila time!
What does 'ICU' mean?
ICU can mean a number of things - especially in a medical drama series. You may even have heard this phrase used on your own surroundings. The real question is, do you know what ICU means? Many of our favorite doctors have actually spent tons of times using the 'ICU' phrase in their daily activities. Does it mean 'I'll Come Upstairs', 'Intensive Care Unit', 'I Can't Understand' or is it short for an 'Intense Cooling Unit'? Select the correct answer below.
What is a 'Whipple'
We know that Cristina is actually obsessed with cardiac related surgeries and Whipples. We know that anything cardiac means your heart, veins and arteries and so on. This is what Cristina was born to study and practice. She also seems a tad obsessed with the Whipple. Do you know what a Whipple is? Is it a type of surgery? It actually sounds like it could even be a yummy ice-cream make or flavor! Maybe it is a cardiac condition, and that's why Cristina like it?
Bethany Whisper is...
We meet Bethany Whisper in the first season of Grey's Anatomy. It was actually a patient who made the rest of the medical world aware of what or who this was. You may recall that Alex also became very familiar with term as well. In fact, he shamelessly shared the news with the rest of the hospital too. This caused some frustration and, of course, loads of tension too. George tried to help diffuse the situation but it didn't really help.
What is a 'scrub cap'?
A cap is usually something that goes on the top of, or the end of something. You get all sorts of caps, for all sorts of things. For example, you get caps that are used to clip a pen closed. You get bottle caps that are used to seal bottles. In the medical field though, what is a scrub cap? Is it the white jacket the doctors wear while on duty? Is it the piece that covers the sharp tip of a needle?
'McSteamy' is...
When we think of McSteamy we default to something from McDonald's or maybe even a really hot cup of steaming coffee. Maybe even coffee from McDonald's... But, if you think of McSteamy in the Grey's Anatomy environment it may mean something completely different. We know that the doctors often rename things and people. Addison is nicknamed Satan, Meredith is also known as Medusa. Do you know if McSteamy is a cup of coffee, a cheeseburger, Derek Sheppard or Mark Sloan?
'The Syph' is...
This is another something that our favorite interns endure while at work. They happen to share this with one another (not intentionally). George was not impressed with this, when he discovered that the 'Syph' he got was from Alex. He actually assaulted Alex... Was it a type of fruit? Or was it a gift that was given to him? It could even be a type of blood poisoning or a sexually transmitted disease. Do you know what the correct answer actually is?
'Code Pink' means...
Again with the codes! Yes, there is such a thing as a code 'pink'. We have been introduced to a number of code words and phrases since we became obsessed with Grey's Anatomy. One of the codes which we only recently became accustomed to was the phrase "code Pink'. We know that the color codes like green, yellow and red indicate how ill a patient is. We know that code black is for a bomb in the hospital. But what is a code pink?
What does 'MVC' mean?
MVC is something we hear in most of these episodes. You may have heard the doctors discussing this when they are in conversation about someone's condition. You may have heard the emergency medics also using this phrase when bringing a patient in to the ER. Could they just be stating that Meredith's Very Cool, or that Many Visitors Came? Perhaps it means that Multiple Vehicles Crashed or just a Motor Vehicle Crash? Select the answer below.
True or False: 911 is a page for an emergency
We have all been taught that 911 is an emergency phrase and it is most often used to indicate that an ambulance or other emergency services are needed. Being a hospital based program, we know the phrase 911 is often used too. The doctors get paged with this code often as well. What does this actually mean though? Katy gets a nurse to page Meredith 911, but when she arrives she discovers that there is absolutely nothing wrong with her.
Who is 'Jane Doe'
We often hear about 'Jane Doe' being in the hospital. Can there really be that many ladies with the same name? Is Jane a patient who visits the hospital that often? Maybe she is just married to Mr Doe? A doe is also a deer, a female deer. Is it the one Izzie saved? Or is Jane Doe the name given to a patient whose identity is unknown? The possibilities are endless... Select the answer most applicable to Grey's Anatomy.
True or False: 'Tachy' means fast
'Tachy' is a prefix which is often used to described vital signs of the patient's in the hospital. For example you may have heard that the patient is 'tachycardic'. We know that 'cardiac' is heart related - Cristina Yang made sure we knew that! Do you know what it means though? It must mean something about the heart. Is it beating too soft, too hard, too fast, too slow, or maybe it's just an irregular heart beat? Does 'tachy' maybe mean fast?
The 'OR' is...
You should know the answer to this even if you have only ever watched one episode of Grey's Anatomy. This has been said about a million times by the nurses and doctors too. It's probably the easiest of all of them! Is the OR actually the Operating Room? Is it maybe an Orange Rat? Perhaps it is just the Operating Robe that the doctors have to wear. It could even the Only Rebel that these doctors need to help save...
'Seriously!' means...
This phrase is often used by our favorite doctors. It was first introduced to us by the interns in season one. It's not gender specific, so everybody says it. Only a real fan will understand the passion behind this word. In fact, you more than likely use this in your own life at least once a day. We love it, and it's so diverse. The best part is that it can be used in all sorts of ways, we learned that from these doctors.