1. Bears
What it means to everyone else: A large land mammal known for being furry and yet ferocious.
What it means in Chicago: The Chicago Bears, the only NFL team that it’s acceptable to cheer for in Chitown. Not so much furry but yes, ferocious.
2. Cubs
What it means to everyone else: The younger version of a bear.
What it means in Chicago: The red, white, and blue MLB team that plays in Wrigleyville, the Chicago Cubs.
3. Goat
What it means to everyone else: A medium sized farm animal.
What it means in Chicago: The animal owned by Billy Sianis that cursed the Cubs’ future post-season performance when it was forced to leave the ballpark during the World Series.
4. White Sox
What it means to everyone else: Socks that are white in color.
What it means in Chicago: The Cubs’ Southside rival, the Chicago White Sox.
5. Bean
What it means to everyone else: A tiny plant seed often found in burritos and chili.
What it means in Chicago: The Cloud Gate, a giant, shiny bean-shaped sculpture known for its mirrored outer shell.
6. LSD
What it means to everyone else: Lysergic acid diethylamide, a drug known for its psychological effects.
What it means in Chicago: Lake Shore Drive, one of Chicago’s most famous roads.
7. Deep Dish
What it means to everyone else: A dish that’s large enough to hold a lot of things.
What it means in Chicago: Chicago’s famous pizza, several inches thick and full of cheese, sauce and toppings.
8. Chi
What it means to everyone else: A greek letter found in sororities and fraternities (signified with the letter “X”).
What it means in Chicago: A nickname of everyone’s favorite Midwest metropolis.
9. Soldier
What it means to everyone else: Someone who fights for their country.
What it means in Chicago: The Chicago Bears playground, Soldier Field, dedicated as a memorial to Americans that have died in war.
10. Pop
What it means to everyone else: The sound a bubble makes when it explodes.
What it means in Chicago: Any sort of carbonated and flavored sugar water.
11. Bulls
What it means to everyone else: A male bovine.
What it means in Chicago: Everyone’s favorite basketball team in this city, the Chicago Bulls.
12. Italian Beef
What it means to everyone else: Beef that’s imported from Italy.
What it means in Chicago: A sliced beef sandwich famous in Chicago, typically served dipped and topped in peppers.
13. Hawks
What it means to everyone else: A predatory bird.
What it means in Chicago: Nickname of the Chicago Blackhawks, named after the 333rd Machine Gun Battalion of World War I, which was known as the “Blackhawk Division” in honor of Black Hawk of the Native American Sauk nation.
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14. Chicago Dog
What it means to everyone else: A puppy that’s from Chicago.
What it means in Chicago: The proper way to order a hot dog in these parts, an all-beef frank, topped with mustard, onions, tomato slices, sport peppers, green relish, a pickle wedge, and celery salt, all on a poppy seed bun.
15. Jordan
What it means to everyone else: A kingdom in the Middle East.
What it means in Chicago: Michael Jordan, forever the best player to play the game.
16. 312
What it means to everyone else: A delicious beer with a bright yellow label.
What it means in Chicago: An area code made famous thanks to the Windy City and also a delicious local beer.
17. Divvy
What it means to everyone else: To divide up and share.
What it means in Chicago: Rentable bikes found around Chicago, famous for attracting unaware tourists and for frustrating drivers.
18. Cheeseheads
What it means to everyone else: A head made of cheese.
What it means in Chicago: A fan of the most evil team in the NFL and the Bears’ rival, the dreaded Green Bay Packers.
19. Sears
What it means to everyone else: A famous department store.
What it means in Chicago: The former and preferred name of the Willis Tower, a giant skyscraper that is the centerpiece of the Chicago skyline.
20. Polar Bear
What it means to everyone else: A bear with white fur that stalks the colder areas of the continent.
What it means in Chicago: The Polar Bear plunge, a “Celebration of Shrinkage” in which participants dive into Chicago water during the heart of winter.
21. Ketchup
What it means to everyone else: America’s favorite condiment, found on many hot dogs, hamburgers, and French fries around the country.
What it means in Chicago: A taboo word in Chicago, especially when it comes to hot dogs.
22. The Lake
What it means to everyone else: A giant body of water.
What it means in Chicago: Lake Michigan, a favorite summer spot in the Windy City.
23. Last Call
What it means to everyone else: The call from the bartender that can bring the greatest night ever to an end, usually happening around 2 am.
What it means in Chicago: The Saturday night call heard around 3am in Chicago bars that signals it’s time to head towards on the many 5 am bars in the city.
24. Second City
What it means to everyone else: Chicago, once the second largest city in the country to New York.
What it means in Chicago: A famous Chicago comedy school responsible for helping people like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert develop their skills.
25. Chicago
What it means to everyone else: A rock and roll band famous for songs like “You’re My Inspiration.”
What it means in Chicago: The greatest city in the world, home to the best food in the country, the craziest sports fans, and some of the best entertainment money can buy.
What other words mean something different in the Chicago? Tell us in the comments below!
