Chicago: More Than Just Deep Dish Pizza
So, You Wanna Know Where Chicago Got Its Name?
Let's get one thing straight: Chicago is not named after a particularly stylish pair of shoes. Sorry to burst your bubble, fashionistas. The truth is a bit more... earthy.
The Windy City’s Humble Beginnings
You see, way back when, before skyscrapers and deep-dish pizza, the area that would become Chicago was home to some pretty chill Native Americans. These folks, the Miami-Illinois tribe, had a word for a particularly pungent plant – the wild leek. They called it "shikaakwa," which basically means "smelly onion." Charming, right?
Fast forward a bit, and some French explorers stumble upon this onion-y paradise. Not being ones to mince words, they Frenchified the name to "Chicago." So, basically, the city you know and love as the home of endless possibilities, incredible architecture, and world-class museums was once simply known as "Smelly Onion Town."
But Wait, There’s More!
Now, some people might argue that "Chicago" is actually derived from the name of a legendary Native American chief, Shecaugo. They say he was a total badass who ruled the area with an iron fist... or at least a really good spear. But let's be honest, the "smelly onion" theory is way more fun.
So, next time you're enjoying a Chicago hot dog or taking in the skyline, remember: you're standing on land once covered in a sea of onions. And that, my friends, is a fact that will forever change the way you look at deep-dish pizza.
How to Become a Chicago Expert
How to pronounce Chicago correctly: It's "Chi-CAH-go," not "She-CAH-go." Trust us, locals will appreciate it.How to order a Chicago-style hot dog: Everything on it, except ketchup. It's a rule.How to survive a Chicago winter: Layers, people, layers. And maybe a good therapist.How to appreciate Chicago architecture: Look up. Way up.How to find the best deep-dish pizza: Ask a local. They'll have a strong opinion.
