Illinois isn’t just a state—it’s a state of mind. You can spot a true Illinoisan by the way they order a hot dog, pronounce “Des Plaines,” and refer to traffic on the Dan Ryan. If you can’t keep up, well… that’s how we know you’re not from around here.
These words aren’t just vocabulary—they’re a lifestyle, a rite of passage, and in some cases, a warning label. Whether you’re from Chicago or downstate farm country, these terms unite us. So if these don’t ring a bell, kindly turn in your deep dish and go back to Indiana.
1. Pop
Not soda. Never soda. If you ask for a “soda” here, we’ll know you’re an outsider.
2. The Loop
Downtown Chicago’s beating heart. It’s not just a place—it’s where your GPS cries during rush hour.
3. L
Our beloved elevated train system. Loud, rattly, and somehow always late—but we love her anyway.
4. Deep Dish
Pizza so thick it needs a fork, a knife, and possibly a personal trainer afterward.
5. Lake Effect
The magical (read: miserable) snowstorm that appears out of nowhere just because Lake Michigan felt like it.
6. The Bean
Technically “Cloud Gate,” but nobody calls it that. It’s that shiny silver selfie magnet downtown.
7. The Hawk
No, not a bird. It’s that icy Chicago wind that cuts through every layer of clothing you own.
8. Garage Sale Season
A Midwest ritual where neighbors bond over 25¢ mugs and 1993 lamps. Peak Illinois summer.
9. Tornado Alley
We know the drill. Sirens? Grab your shoes and head to the basement.
10. The Dan Ryan
One of Chicago’s busiest expressways. If you can survive driving it at rush hour, you can do anything.
11. Downstate
Anything south of I-80. No one really defines it precisely—it’s just “downstate.”
12. Horseshoe
A Springfield-born dish of fries, toast, meat, and cheese sauce. It’s a glorious, cheesy mess.
13. Cubs vs. Sox
Pick a side. Choose wisely. Friendships have ended over less.
14. Portillo’s
A sacred temple of hot dogs, Italian beef, and chocolate cake shakes. Outsiders don’t understand.
15. Jeet?
Translation: “Did you eat?” It’s our unofficial greeting.
Illinois isn’t just a place you live—it’s a language you learn. If you can pronounce “Cairo” (Kay-roh) and “Des Plaines” correctly, you’re already ahead of most tourists. And if you know what a horseshoe is, congratulations—you’re officially part of the club…