Some Chicagoans stick out like a sore thumb. You know the type. Boisterous and unabashed, we hold some traits that make it easy to spot someone from the city just about anywhere. Don't try to fight it. It's in your blood. These characteristics and habits of people from Chicago are poignant, but charming. Check them out:
1. The accent.
The way a person pronounces the name of the city itself will tip you off to whether or not they are from Chicago. City dwellers draw out the "a" rather than make it a short "o" sound.
2. Knowing the Cubs song.
"Hey Chicago, what do you say?" Even if you just know the next eight words of this song, there's a good chance you might be from Chicago. We love our baseball.
3. Our hotdog condiments.
Ketchup is a sin when it comes to hotdogs in Chicago, and the true Chicagoan holds to that no matter where they go. Mustard only? You know where that dude's from.
4. Our love of Chicago.
Well... duh. One way to spot someone who is from Chicago is to listen to them talk about the city. Eventually, they will compare something to the city, likely claiming that Chicago is better - because it is.
5. Our flag.
No other city in the world is as obsessed with its flag as Chicago. From t-shirts to tattoos, Chicagoans love to show their pride. This guy definitely loves the city more than you.
6. Reserving parking spots with chairs.
In Chicago, we call it "dibs," but in most sections of the U.S., you'll look like a loony putting chairs in the street. Everyone will know you're from a different world.
7. Asking for deep-dish.
Most pizzerias around the country (and world) just sell hand-tossed or some version of a thin-crust pizza. You might be lucky enough to find pan pizza, but asking for a stuffed or deep-dish pie anywhere outside Chicago will make it immediately obvious where you're from.
8. LSD.
Chicagoans are often heard talking about their trips on LSD. No, not psychedelics. We're talking about Lake Shore Drive, but the only people who call it LSD are deep-rooted city dwellers.
9. Asking about local beer.
While the city is full of more local beers than you'll probably ever try, not everywhere cares about that stuff as much as we do. They'll know you're from a city as soon as you order anything other than Bud (or ask about the hops, mention the fruity notes, and comment on the IBU).
Another way you know you've found a Chicagoan? You'll probably hear them say some of these 12 phrases that will make you think the city has its own language.
How else do you spot someone from Chicago? Share your experiences with us!
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