We’ve curated 1,000 things we love about Chicago. But the question is, how do you identify someone is from Chicago? Here are just 10 ways to know someone is a Chicagoan. How many of these things do you do?
You’re a true Chicagoan if you …
🏫 Ask others what high school they went to (No. 278)
Specifically, when a young graduate from Whitney Young gives a little grin before they answer.
🌭 Have strong food alliances and judge others’ (No. 198)
Chicagoans are particular about their food. Do you like Uncle Remus or Harold’s? Which Harold’s? Deep-dish or tavern-style? From where? And let’s not get into ketchup on hot dogs.
🧥 Insist on several thin coats instead of buying a big winter coat (No. 894)
Why buy a big coat when many layers do the trick?
📖 Know to ignore the State Street Preacher (No. 949)
Samuel Chambers, known as the State Street Preacher, has been a fixture in Chicago since 1969. He often preaches for up to eight hours a day, six days a week. True Chicagoans know that if he tells you to go to hell, there’s no need to take it personally.
🏈 Your parents took you to Gately Stadium for high school football games (No. 451)
It’s where young kids may get their first lesson in school sports rivalries.
🦖 Took field trips to see Sue (No. 539)
This famous T. rex is one of the largest and best preserved and can be found in the Field Museum. You most likely saw her for the first time on one of your many school field trips.
🛋️ Scored a couch in a Chicago alley (No. 98)
As Chicagoans, we love a good alley and it can often be a great spot to get rid of or find some furniture for your new home.
It will always be the Sears Tower in my heart 💙 (Raymond Boyd / Getty Images)
🏙️ Call it the Sears Tower, not the Willis Tower (No. 638)
I mean it IS the Sears Tower.
🎵 Know the Empire Carpet and Andriana Furs jingles by heart (No. 530)
It’s nearly impossible to get these jingles out of your head after you hear them.
🏖️ Think concrete beaches are better than sandy ones (No. 867)
No mess, no stress on a concrete beach! And you could even try a cold plunge in Lake Michigan 👀
