While Chicagoans don’t tend to get mad, we have a breaking point like everyone else. There are some wonderful things about our city that many take for granted or just don’t know about. Keep this guide handy so you don’t anger someone from Chicago! Keep scrolling for more details.
- Saying you’re from Chicago when you’re from the suburbs.
Wikimedia Commons/Edward Blake Though many do this to avoid the inevitable question about it being near the city, there is a huge difference between the way people live in the neighborhoods versus the ‘burbs.
- Assuming we are called the Windy City due to weather.
Wikimedia Commons/Nichols, H. D. The true origin is related to Chicago’s past politicians and their tendency to build up the city’s reputation on what some believed was weak ground or “hot air.” The term was coined by a reporter who was just jealous that we won the World’s Fair.
- Saying you couldn’t live here due to the weather.
Pxhere Most days here are actually quite nice. Winter can be rough but it certainly isn’t worse than the New York and Baltimore areas.
- Saying we don’t have legitimate beaches.
Flickr/Juan Carlos Martin Just because we aren’t bordered by an ocean doesn’t mean our beaches aren’t just as great those in Los Angeles and Miami. Lake Michigan is a wonderful replacement for that salty, shark-infested mess.
- Eating stinky food on the train.
Flickr/Karen Airplane rules apply. No tuna sandwiches or onion-y meals. Technically, you shouldn’t be eating on the CTA at all, but if you must, make it sure it’s something that doesn’t smell strong.
- Not giving up a seat for pregnant and elderly individuals on the CTA.
Flickr/TheeErin It’s rush hour and everyone is avoiding eye contact as the old woman or man gets on board. A true Chicagoan knows the right thing to do.
- Don’t talk on your phone on the train.
Pixabay/longleanna No one wants to hear your gossip about what “Tasha” did yesterday. Please don’t make us crank up our headphones. Chicagoans easily get mad on the train.
- Acting like a tourist.
Flickr/Michael Gray It’s great that you want to get that #beanselfie, but put down the selfie stick before you hurt someone. Also, remember that many people are just trying to go about their lives and don’t care about your perfect shot.
- Not knowing any famous people that come from Chicago.
Flickr/Gage Skidmore Harrison Ford, Robin Williams, Chance the Rapper, Walt Disney, John and Jim Belushi, Chaka Khan, John C. Reilly, Hillary Clinton, Craig Robinson… do we need to keep going?
- Comparing us to New York.
Pexels/Pixabay The Big Apple is a world of concrete while in Chicago, you can see the sky without straining your neck. Also, our skyline is prettier, and our streets are greener.
- Assuming we all wear North Face and Uggs.
Wikimedia Commons/Raysonho @ Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine While it seems like these brands are everywhere, not everyone in the city has the kind of money to afford name brand. Take a closer look next time, and you may discover that our true love is knock-offs.
- Closing our streets for festivals.
Flickr/Aurimas As fun as they are for visitors, those who live or work on streets hosting festivals have a rough time when whole spans of road get blocked off.
- Building a high-rise in our neighborhood.
Max Pixel Save the skyscrapers for the Loop. These types of buildings tend to raise property value, therefore raising rent for those already scraping to make it by. It ruins the view too.
You want to know what else makes us mad? People don’t know these 11 things came from Chicago.
Wikimedia Commons/Edward Blake
Though many do this to avoid the inevitable question about it being near the city, there is a huge difference between the way people live in the neighborhoods versus the ‘burbs.
Wikimedia Commons/Nichols, H. D.
The true origin is related to Chicago’s past politicians and their tendency to build up the city’s reputation on what some believed was weak ground or “hot air.” The term was coined by a reporter who was just jealous that we won the World’s Fair.
Pxhere
Most days here are actually quite nice. Winter can be rough but it certainly isn’t worse than the New York and Baltimore areas.
Flickr/Juan Carlos Martin
Just because we aren’t bordered by an ocean doesn’t mean our beaches aren’t just as great those in Los Angeles and Miami. Lake Michigan is a wonderful replacement for that salty, shark-infested mess.
Flickr/Karen
Airplane rules apply. No tuna sandwiches or onion-y meals. Technically, you shouldn’t be eating on the CTA at all, but if you must, make it sure it’s something that doesn’t smell strong.
Flickr/TheeErin
It’s rush hour and everyone is avoiding eye contact as the old woman or man gets on board. A true Chicagoan knows the right thing to do.
Pixabay/longleanna
No one wants to hear your gossip about what “Tasha” did yesterday. Please don’t make us crank up our headphones. Chicagoans easily get mad on the train.
Flickr/Michael Gray
It’s great that you want to get that #beanselfie, but put down the selfie stick before you hurt someone. Also, remember that many people are just trying to go about their lives and don’t care about your perfect shot.
Flickr/Gage Skidmore
Harrison Ford, Robin Williams, Chance the Rapper, Walt Disney, John and Jim Belushi, Chaka Khan, John C. Reilly, Hillary Clinton, Craig Robinson… do we need to keep going?
Pexels/Pixabay
The Big Apple is a world of concrete while in Chicago, you can see the sky without straining your neck. Also, our skyline is prettier, and our streets are greener.
Wikimedia Commons/Raysonho @ Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine
While it seems like these brands are everywhere, not everyone in the city has the kind of money to afford name brand. Take a closer look next time, and you may discover that our true love is knock-offs.
Flickr/Aurimas
As fun as they are for visitors, those who live or work on streets hosting festivals have a rough time when whole spans of road get blocked off.
Max Pixel
Save the skyscrapers for the Loop. These types of buildings tend to raise property value, therefore raising rent for those already scraping to make it by. It ruins the view too.
What else makes you mad? Share your frustations with us!
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