Here are 22 Slang Terms You’ll Only Understand if you’re from Illinois

Welcome to the Land of Lincoln, where the spirit of the prairie meets the rhythm of the city, and the slang is as diverse as the neighborhoods of Chicago. From the iconic “Chi-Town” to the downstate charm of a “Cornfield Cadillac,” Illinoisans have a linguistic flair that’s both prideful and humorously down-to-earth. In this journey through 22 laugh-inducing slang terms, let’s unravel the linguistic tapestry that makes being from the Prairie State a uniquely amusing experience.

Land of Lincoln

Illinois’ official nickname, occasionally used humorously to play on the state’s connection to Abraham Lincoln.

Put Jimmies on Top

Jimmies is the original word for sprinkles, and since so much of Illinois is still stuck in the past, so is some of our language.

The Windy City

A common nickname for Chicago, often misunderstood as referring to the weather rather than the city’s political bluster.

I got bit by a skeeter!

You know those pesky little bugs that come out every summer, sometimes carrying disease? Maybe you know them better as mosquitoes.

Jagoff

A term used to describe corrupt politicians, bad drivers, lousy tippers and anyone else that Chicagoans generally dislike.

Chi-Town

A slang term for Chicago, popular among locals and outsiders alike.

Pop

A sweetened, carbonated soft-drink also referred to as “soda” or “Coke” in other parts of the country.

You want a cheese toastie?

The only place this term is found other than the Midwest is England. It’s exactly what it sounds like, though you might know it better as a grilled cheese.

Don’t get salty

“Salty” is a term we use for when someone gets upset or embarrassed by someone. Just get over it.

Two-flat

A two-story apartment building found in many Chicago neighborhoods where one tennant on the first floor and another tenant on the second (and sometimes a third tennant in the garden unit). You’ll also find three- and four-flats throughout the city.

Illini

A term for residents of Illinois, often used in a spirited and prideful manner.

Sweet Home Chicago

A reference to the iconic blues song and an affectionate term for the city.

Downstate

Refers to areas in Illinois outside of Chicago and its immediate suburbs, often used to distinguish between urban and rural regions.

Cornfield Cadillac

A humorous term for a tractor, reflecting the importance of agriculture in the state.

Prairie State

Another nickname for Illinois, highlighting the vast expanses of prairie land that once covered the state.

Bungalow Belt

A term used to describe a neighborhood in Chicago characterized by bungalow-style houses.

Lollapalooza Legs

Refers to the tired and achy legs after attending the annual Lollapalooza music festival in Chicago.

Da Bears

A Chicagoan pronunciation of “The Bears,” referring to the Chicago Bears football team.

The Loop

Chicago’s downtown area, named for the loop of elevated train tracks that encircle it.

Jibarito

A sandwich originating from Chicago, replacing traditional bread with flattened, fried plantains.

Hog Butcher for the World

A phrase from Carl Sandburg’s poem “Chicago,” symbolizing the city’s historical role in the meatpacking industry.

Grinder

In Chicago, a sandwich with various fillings, similar to a sub or hoagie.