What Do They Say in Chicago? A Quick Guide to Windy City Lingo
So, you're planning a trip to the Windy City, huh? Good for you! But before you step off that plane, let's get you up to speed on the local dialect. Because trust me, saying "what's up?" might get you some funny looks.
Da Bears, Da Bulls, and Da Language
First things first, let's talk about that infamous Chicago accent. It's like a warm, buttery croissant: flaky on the outside, rich and satisfying on the inside. And just like that croissant, it can be a bit of a challenge to master. But fear not! We're here to help.
The cornerstone of Chicagoan speech is the letter "a". It's not just an "a", it's da "a". So, "the" becomes "da", "that" becomes "dat", and so on. It's a subtle change, but it makes a world of difference.
Another classic Chicago phrase is "over by there". It's used to indicate a location, but with a certain Chicago flair. For example, "I saw him over by da Bean" is a perfectly acceptable way to say "I saw him near the Cloud Gate sculpture".
Some Other Choice Phrases
- Hunnert: This is how Chicagoans say "one hundred". So, a block is "hunnert" feet, not "one hundred".
- Gangway: This doesn't mean you're in danger of being attacked by a gang. It simply means "excuse me".
- Dragged through the garden: This is a colorful way to say you want all the toppings on your hot dog.
How to Sound Like a Local
Now that you've got a basic understanding of Chicago lingo, let's dive into some practical tips:
- Listen carefully: Pay attention to how locals talk. You'll pick up on the nuances pretty quickly.
- Practice makes perfect: Don't be afraid to try out some of these phrases. The more you use them, the more natural they'll sound.
- Embrace the accent: Don't worry about sounding perfect. A little bit of an accent can actually be charming.
How To...
- How to order a Chicago-style hot dog: "I'll have one dragged through the garden, please."
- How to ask for directions: "Where's da best pizza over by there?"
- How to say hello: "What's up, ya big shot?"
- How to order a beer: "Gimme a cold one, please."
- How to end a conversation: "Alright, see ya later."
So, there you have it! With this newfound knowledge, you're well on your way to sounding like a native Chicagoan. Now go out there and impress everyone with your newfound linguistic skills!
