Only A Real Chicagoan Can Get 100% On This Slang Quiz!

By BrainFall Staff - Updated: April 2, 2024

Chicago boasts a rich tapestry of culture, history, and of course, a language all its own. In the Windy City, knowing your ‘L’ from your 'Chi-town' isn’t just about geography—it’s a way of life that separates the true locals from the breezy tourists. We’re pretty confident that our slang is as unique as a pickle on a Chicago-style dog.

So, we've put together a quiz that's about as challenging as resisting a slice of deep-dish pizza after a night out in Wrigleyville. It's time to put your Chicago chops to the test and find out if you're as Chi as you think you are. Are you ready to deep dive into the colorful vernacular that makes our city tick?

Don’t just stand there like you’re waiting for the CTA during a snowstorm! Jump in and let’s see if you have what it takes to call yourself a bona fide Chicagoan. Whether you're a seasoned local or just looking to learn the lingo, this quiz is sure to dish out a good hearty laugh along with a heaping helping of street cred. Heads up, though — we're not tossing any softballs here. Grab your Italian beef, and let's get down to business!

Decoding Chi-Town Vocabulary

Before we dive into the Chicago lexicon, remember: the Windy City's slang is more than just words; it's a cultural handshake. Let's ensure you're not left hanging.

The Basics of Chicago Speak

We all start somewhere, and in Chi-Town, it begins with "the basics" or the deep-dish of the dialect. "Fam" isn't just your relatives here—it's close friends, your squad, you know? Oh, and be ready to spill the "tea" (gossip or news), just don't let it be "sus" (suspect or suspicious). We're all about keeping it "100" (authentic).

How to Navigate Conversations Like a Pro

To talk the talk around the Loop, you've got to do more than just walk the walk. Up your street cred by showing you're "based" (grounded in reality). It's not just about the words—intonation can scream expert or whisper simp (someone trying too hard). Now, that’s knowledge worth grabbing like the last slice of deep-dish at the table!

Slang Terms that Separate Locals from Newcomers

Are you ready to transition from newbie to native? Memorize these and you'll never be seen as out-of-towner again. If someone's "mid" (average or not great), we don't mean they’re halfway to something cool. And don't be caught off guard if you're asked to "understand the assignment." It means you know exactly what to do or say. But hey, we don’t simp for just anyone here—earn the slang, earn the respect.

Putting Your Chi-Slang to the Test

Before diving into the lingo-laden depths of Chicago slang, let's gear up to see if you're truly in tune with the Windy City’s vernacular vibe. We're not just talking about a superficial nod to the dialect; you've got to walk the talk, and talk the Chi-town walk.

Recognizing Real from the Fake: No Lie, That's Cap

We’ve all had that moment when someone tries to fit in by awkwardly tossing in a slang term that sticks out like ketchup on a Chicago dog – a big no-no, by the way. But here, we separate the legit from the imitation. When we hear "no lie," it’s our green light for truth, authenticity. Now, if someone throws "cap" into the mix, think twice; that’s our code for fakery and tall tales. Getting these two down is like having a birthday and all your friends showing up with the perfect gifts – rare but oh so satisfying.

Celebrating Chicago's Culture Through Words

Joining the ranks of true Chicagoans isn't just about mastering the slang – it's a full-blown celebration of the city’s rich linguistic tapestry. It’s not just a test of talent, but a toast to our cultural quirks. When we talk about "shopping," we’re not window shopping words, but investing in the vocabulary that makes Chicago ours. For the love of deep dish, don't just sit on the sidelines like a benchwarmer during the playoffs. Dive in, speak up, and be a part of the celebration that is Chi-town's slang scene.