One of the most well-known bits of Chicago-speak revolves around the "d" sound. The "th" sound found in words like "this," "that," and "there" turns into a soft "d" sound. In fact, you may hear someone very clearly say "dis or dat" instead of "this or that."
Merriam-Webster endorses four pronunciations of Chicago. One is “chi-CAW-go.” Another is “chi-CAH-go,” with the long “a.” The third and fourth are “chi-CAH-ga” or “chi-CAW-ga,” with an “a” sound rather than “o” sound at the end of the word.
Chicagoans generally distinguish between the “ah” and “aw” vowels found in “Don” and “Dawn.” Speakers whose speech doesn't resemble the accent generally pronounce “Don” and “Dawn” the same way.
It's called the Chicago accent, but not everyone born in Chicago has it. Chicago is actually home to two – maybe even three – major dialects: “Chicago” English, African American English, and (possibly) an emerging Latino dialect.
A Midwestern accent (which may refer to other dialectal accents as well), Chicago accent, or Great Lakes accent are all common names in the United States for the sound quality produced by speakers of this dialect.
According to a study from Yougov, the Chicago accent is the least attractive in the country. Other findings from the study, available in full here, include: The Texas accent came out as the most attractive.
What about carbonated beverages, do you use "soda," "pop," or "Coke?" Now across the U.S. the answer is pretty mixed, but Chicago and most of northern Illinois, use "pop," while the rest of the state say "soda."
"We use 'joe' for the replacement of man, friend, homie, whatever it is," he said. "Our slang in Chicago is so deeply rooted that we feel like everybody understands the language," he added.
The term original gangster was derived from the gang's name and initially stood for “we're the first.” Crips members would use the OG abbreviation as a shorthand when writing which part of the gang they belonged to (e.g., Original Eastside Crip or OG Eastside).
What does Chi-town mean? Chi-town is a nickname for the city of Chicago, Illinois.
The Chicago accent is famous for swapping out “th” with “d” (as in, “da Bears”). But a researcher told WBEZ Chicagoans also tend to elongate their vowels, transforming a word like “bat” into “b-eat-t,” and pronounce some “o” sounds like “a” — thus, Bob sounds like “Bahhhb.”
Use the "aw" pronunciation.
Some native Chicagoans insist the second syllable should be pronounced as an “aw.” As in “Shic-aw-go.” George Wendt, in the iconic Saturday Night Live skit on Chicago super fans, pronounced it “Shic-aw-go.” He is from Chicago.
What are the differences and similarities between a Chicago accent and a New York accent? The New York accent is non rhotic. The “r” sound becomes “aw” e.g. “car” becomes “caw.” The Chicago accent, like much of the Midwest, pronounces their “r”s hard (“carr”) and they also use very flat vowels.
Black Chicagoans, younger residents, and Chicago transplants are more likely to say “Chi-CAH-go.” Older generations and Irish-American residents are more likely to say “Chi-CAW-go.” Some speakers pronounce the last syllable as “ah” rather than “oh.”
Chicago's motto, urbs in horto or “city in a garden,” was adopted in the 1830s and alludes to the city's impressive and historic park system.
(US, slang, derogatory) Chicago, especially those parts in the South Side subject to a large amount of violence.
Overwhelmingly, people like the Southern accent best, followed by British and Australian accents. Southern accents tend to be thought of as friendly and welcoming, while British and Australian accents are more exotic.
The culture of Chicago, Illinois is known for the invention or significant advancement of several performing arts, including improvisational comedy, house music, industrial music, blues, hip hop, gospel, jazz, and soul.
There's a reason they call Chicago “a city in a garden.” You'll find green space around every corner, from charming neighborhood parks to sandy beaches with skyline views. In the heart of the city, Millennium Park and Grant Park are home to lush gardens, cultural institutions, iconic public art, and popular events.
As an excellent city to move to that is worth living in, Chicago is a vibrant city with friendly residents.
Call it the Windy City, Chi-town, or the City of Big Shoulders—but one nickname has seen an especially interesting evolution over the years: the Second City.