Local Lexicon
Ever go somewhere and have a hard time understanding people even though they (and you) are speaking English? We know that feeling well! Learn some Chicagoese Slang and it should be a bit easier. Did we miss one? Let us know in the comments below!
Cuppa Too-Tree
A couple, two, or three.
Frunchroom
The main living area is commonly called a "frunchroom" in Chicago. Frunch room is what happens when you slur "front room."
G.I.
Gary, Indiana.
Grachki
The key to your garage.
Jagoff
Even though this term for a rude, jerk-esque person originated in Pittsburg, it's very popular in Chicago.
Jew Town
The old Maxwell Street and Maxwell Street Market.
Jewels
In New Mexico this term refers to a man's, ahem, valuables. In Chicago it refers to a popular grocery store chain.
The L
The Elevated Train.
LSD
Not the drug, this refers to Lake Shore Drive.
Oke Doked
In Chicago if you are being tricked or fooled, you're actually being oke doked.
PJs
The Projects.
Pop
Not something you call your father, in Chicago "pop" is what you call soda.
Sammich
Sandwich.
Tree
Not to be confused with those leafy, woody plants, tree is actually the number that comes between two and four.
Use
The plural of "you."
Vacation
Going anywhere south of I-80 in Chicago for any duration of time.
Wash Room
Bathroom.
Warship Gad
In Chicago you may hear of people doing something unusual on Sundays, but don't worry, when they're going to "Warship Gad" they're really going to Worship God.