Rice Purity Test Terms Explained: What MPS Means and Other Slang Decoded

The single most-Googled question about the Rice Purity Test isn’t about scores at all — it’s “what does MPS mean on the Rice Purity Test?” And it’s a fair question. The test’s wording comes from decades of campus slang, and several items read like riddles if you didn’t grow up hearing the terms. Answering honestly requires understanding what’s actually being asked — so here’s the full decoder.

Just for fun: This is a glossary for an entertainment quiz, written in plain, non-explicit language. No graphic detail — just clear definitions so you can answer accurately.

What Does MPS Mean on the Rice Purity Test?

MPS stands for “Member of the Preferred Sex.” It’s the test’s gender-neutral shorthand for “someone you’re attracted to / interested in romantically.” Several questions use it to avoid assuming the test-taker’s orientation — for example, items about romantic or physical experiences “with an MPS” simply mean with someone you’re attracted to, regardless of gender.

The term dates back to the test’s campus origins, when the authors wanted one compact phrase that worked for everyone. Modern versions sometimes reword it, but MPS persists in the classic list — which is why it confuses every new generation of test-takers.

For the mechanics of how answers turn into a number, see our scoring guide.

Other Slang Terms Decoded

“Dancing without leaving room for Jesus” — An old-fashioned euphemism for dancing very close to someone, with bodies pressed together. The joke is that there should be enough space between dance partners “for Jesus” to fit. It just means close/intimate dancing.

“Third base” (and the baseball metaphor) — American slang for stages of physical intimacy, borrowed from baseball: first base, second base, third base, and “home.” The test uses these as compact milestones. You don’t need the precise definitions memorized — the metaphor’s order is the point.

“The mile high club” — A tongue-in-cheek phrase for intimate activity aboard an airplane. It’s a joke term, not an actual club.

“Streaking” — Running unclothed in a public place as a prank or dare. A classic campus-prank term.

“Skinny dipping” — Swimming without clothes, usually as a dare or late-night adventure.

“A hickey” — A mark left on skin from kissing or sucking — a “love bite.” One of the mildest items on the list.

“Voyeurism” — Deriving gratification from secretly watching others in private moments. On the test, it’s one of the rarest-checked items (see our hardest questions ranking).

“A one-night stand” — A single intimate encounter with someone, with no ongoing relationship.

“Hooking up” — Casual romantic or physical involvement without commitment. Note: this term’s meaning has drifted over the years and varies by region — if you’re unsure whether your experience counts, use your own honest interpretation.

“Cheating on a test/exam” — Exactly what it sounds like: academic dishonesty. One of the most commonly checked rule-breaking items.

“Being sent to the principal’s office” / suspension / expulsion — School disciplinary milestones, escalating in severity. They’re separate items because they represent different levels of trouble.

Why the Wording Matters for Your Score

Misunderstood terms are one of the quietest sources of inaccurate scores. Common errors:

• Skipping MPS questions entirely because the acronym was confusing — if the experience applies to you, it should be checked.
• Over-checking baseball metaphors — some people check “third base” thinking it means something milder than it does. When in doubt, interpret conservatively and check only what clearly matches.
• Treating jokes as literal — “mile high club” and similar items are meant exactly as the slang defines them, not as metaphors for something else.

The test only works as well as your understanding of it. Five minutes with this glossary is the difference between an honest score and a random one — and honesty is the whole point, as our accuracy guide explains.

A Note on Outdated Language

Some terms on the list are showing their age — MPS itself is a 1980s attempt at inclusivity that reads as clunky today, and a few items use phrasing that modern test-takers find dated. That’s worth knowing, not worrying about: the test is a historical artifact as much as a game. Answer according to what the terms mean, not how elegantly they’re phrased, and you’ll be fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does MPS mean on the Rice Purity Test?

MPS stands for “Member of the Preferred Sex” — a gender-neutral term for someone you’re romantically attracted to. Questions mentioning MPS are asking about experiences with someone you’re attracted to, regardless of gender.

What does “third base” mean on the Rice Purity Test?

It’s part of the American “baseball metaphor” slang for stages of physical intimacy. The test uses the metaphor as a compact milestone marker; interpret it in its common slang sense.

Why does the test use so much slang?

The questions were written in campus culture across several decades, and slang was the natural language of the students writing and taking it. The informal wording is part of what made the test feel like an in-group ritual rather than a formal survey.

Should I look up terms while taking the test?

Yes — understanding the questions is essential to answering honestly. There’s no rule against it, and a quick glossary check (like this one) makes your score more meaningful.