Chicago slang: 11 terms you should know

The iconic Willis (Sears) Tower, the shiny Bean, the bustling Magnificent Mile, the Bears, deep-dish pizza, Italian beefs, and Chicago-style hot dogs. Honestly, the list could go on forever.

But if there’s one thing that truly stands out, it’s the unique Chicago lingo.

Planning a trip to the Windy City? Here’s a handy guide to help you speak like a local and understand Chicagoans a bit better.

DIBS — After a snowstorm, people will shovel out a parking spot and claim it using chairs, cones, or other random household objects. It’s controversial… and very Chicago.

FRUNCHROOM — The front room of a home, known to most as a “living room.”

GANGWAY — The narrow walkway/passageways between houses and buildings in the city.

GYM SHOES — Used to reference athletic shoes, specifically sneakers or tennis shoes.

THE LAKE — You’ll hear people say “the lake” a lot—it means Lake Michigan.

POP — Used instead of saying soft drink or soda.

THE L — Refers to the city’s public transportation system, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), specifically the elevated train lines. Hence the term “L” or “El,” which is short for elevated.

DA — Used to replace the word “the” by Chicagoans, example: Da Bears, Da Pope, Da Lake.

LSD — No, not the drug. It stands for Lake Shore Drive (now known as DuSable Lake Shore Drive), an expressway that runs along the lakefront.

DIPPED/NOT DIPPED — A term that describes how you want your Italian beef made; dipped in gravy or not dipped in gravy. Very important detail when placing your Italian beef order.

DRAG IT THROUGH THE GARDEN — A term that means you want “the works” on your Chicago-style hot dog, or more generally, any food item that you want an abundance of toppings and condiments added on it. Also very important when ordering food in the city.