19 Unique Sayings That Only Make Sense in Illinois

Illinois may be home to the bustling city of Chicago, but it’s also filled with small-town charm, cornfields, and an eclectic mix of sayings you won’t find anywhere else. From “da Bears” to the heart of the Midwest, Illinois has a unique way of getting its point across. So grab your deep-dish pizza and let’s dive into the 19 sayings you’ll only hear in Illinois!

“Da Bears”

You might’ve heard it on TV, but it’s also a chant that every true Chicagoan knows well. It’s not just a sports team, it’s a way of life. “Da Bears are going to win this Sunday!”

“The L”

Short for Chicago’s elevated train system, but also a phrase used when you’re just trying to get anywhere in the city. “I’ll meet you at the L station.”

“Pop”

Not soda, not cola, but “pop.” In Illinois, you better make sure you’re asking for the right thing, or you’re going to get some funny looks. “Gimme a can of pop!”

“Go Cubs Go!”

It’s not just a cheer, it’s a way of life if you’re in Chicago. “Go Cubs Go!” will be heard after every home run and during every victory parade.

“Uff da”

It’s an expression of exasperation or relief, often heard in Northern Illinois (and Wisconsin, but we won’t hold that against them). “Uff da, that was a long drive!”

“Windy City”

It’s not just about the weather, it’s also about the way Chicago keeps you on your toes. “It’s so windy, I can barely walk down Michigan Avenue!”

“Jeet?”

It’s not a typo; it’s Chicago slang for “Did you eat?” If you’re in the city, don’t be surprised if someone asks you this instead of “How’s it going?”

“The City”

To anyone outside of Illinois, it’s just Chicago. But to the locals? It’s simply “The City.” No explanation needed. “I’m heading into the city this weekend.”

“Better get it while it’s hot”

When you’re dealing with deep-dish pizza, this saying is a must. “Better get it while it’s hot—this pizza’s not going to last long!”

“Land of Lincoln”

Illinois’ official nickname, and for good reason. Abe Lincoln was born here, and the state takes that history seriously. “You’re in the Land of Lincoln, after all!”

“From the cornfields to the city”

It’s a phrase used to describe the divide between Illinois’ rural and urban life, and it’s a perfect way to describe the two different worlds you’ll find in the state. “You’ll see everything from the cornfields to the city, that’s Illinois for ya!”

“Everything’s bigger in the suburbs”

Sure, Chicago has big buildings, but the suburbs? They have big cars, bigger lawns, and sometimes, even bigger egos. “They live in the suburbs; of course, their house is huge!”

“Havin’ a conniption”

When someone is losing their temper or having a meltdown, they’re “having a conniption.” It’s the Midwest’s more colorful way of saying someone is freaking out. “Calm down, you’re havin’ a conniption!”

“Hold your horses”

A phrase used when someone is getting ahead of themselves, particularly when there’s impatience in the air. “Hold your horses, we’re leaving in five minutes!”

“Chuck a U-ey”

Making a U-turn. It’s short, sweet, and to the point. “I missed the exit—gotta chuck a U-ey!”

“You’re all wet”

It doesn’t mean you’ve been rained on—it means you’re completely wrong about something. “No way, you’re all wet on that one!”

“Take a chill pill”

When someone’s freaking out, this is the go-to Illinois saying. “Whoa, whoa—take a chill pill, we’re fine!”

“Ain’t nobody got time for that”

If something’s unimportant or a waste of time, this phrase will pop up. “You want me to come help you clean the garage on a Saturday? Ain’t nobody got time for that!”

“You got a beef?”

A friendly (and sometimes sassy) way of asking someone if they have a problem. “You got a beef with me, pal?”

Illinois is a state where you can find every flavor of conversation—from fast-paced city chatter to laid-back small-town exchanges. Whether you’re talking sports, food, or just making sense of all the corn, these sayings will help you understand why Illinoisans have a charm all their own. So next time you’re in the state, throw around a few of these phrases—you’ll sound like a true local in no time!

The post 19 Unique Sayings That Only Make Sense in Illinois appeared first on When In Your State.

Source link