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Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, Illinois: local slang, sayings, and dialect words.

This page collects slang, sayings, and dialect words tied to Chicago in Illinois. Each entry shows the word, its meaning, the type, and where in Illinois you'll hear it — a quick read for visitors, transplants, and anyone curious about how locals actually talk.

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All cities Chicago

6 words

gym shoes Regional

Sneakers (the Chicago name).

Illinois, Chicago

An annoying or contemptible person.

Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh · Illinois, Chicago

Buckwheat groats (porridge).

New York, New York City · New Jersey · Illinois, Chicago

kielbasa Loanword

Polish-style smoked sausage.

Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh · Michigan, Detroit · Ohio, Cleveland · New York, Buffalo · +1 more

pierogi Loanword

Stuffed dumpling (potato + cheese is canonical).

Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh · Ohio, Cleveland · New York, Buffalo · Illinois, Chicago · +1 more

the Lake Phrase

Lake Michigan (when said in Chicago).

Illinois, Chicago