Here are some funny and uniquely Illinois phrases and expressions you’ll only hear in the Land of Lincoln—many of which will leave outsiders scratching their heads or laughing out loud:
Classic Illinois-Only Funny Phrases
- “Da Bears” Said with a thick Chicago accent, this phrase—made famous by “Saturday Night Live”—is a rallying cry for Chicago Bears fans and a symbol of local sports pride.
- “Jeet?” Short for “Did you eat?” This rapid-fire greeting is pure Illinois shorthand and a staple of casual conversation.
- “Pop” Illinoisans call it “pop,” not soda. Ask for a soda and you’ll get some funny looks.
- “Chuck a U-ey” Means to make a U-turn. “Missed the exit? Gotta chuck a U-ey!”
- “It’s cooler by the lake” A Chicago favorite, this phrase refers to the temperature drop near Lake Michigan—a fact locals love to point out to visitors.
- “We have two seasons: winter and construction” A tongue-in-cheek way of describing Illinois’ unpredictable weather and endless roadwork.
- “Don’t like the weather? Wait 10 minutes.” A classic Midwestern quip about how fast Illinois weather can change.
- “Knee high by the Fourth of July” A reference to corn growth—a true sign you’re in farm country.
- “Pitch in” Means everyone brings a dish to a gathering, like a potluck. It’s a Midwestern staple.
- “I’ll scoot right past ya.” A friendly way of saying you’ll move aside, often followed by the classic Midwestern “ope!”.
- “The City” To Illinoisans, “the city” always means Chicago—no explanation needed.
- “Cornfield Cadillac” A humorous way to refer to a tractor, highlighting the state’s agricultural roots.
- “Illinoyed” A clever Illinois-made word for when you’re feeling particularly irritable—only locals truly appreciate the pun.
- “Gym shoes” What others call sneakers or tennis shoes, Illinoisans call “gym shoes”.
- “Go Cubs Go!” A celebratory phrase after a Chicago Cubs win, often sung as part of the team’s victory song.
- “Take the ‘L’” Refers to riding Chicago’s elevated train system, but also used when someone has to accept a loss or setback.
- “You got a beef?” A playful way to ask if someone has a problem—sometimes referencing the city’s famous Italian beef sandwiches.
- “Uff da” An exclamation of relief or exasperation, borrowed from Scandinavian heritage but used in northern Illinois.
These phrases are a blend of city swagger, rural charm, and Midwestern humor—so if you hear someone say they’re “chucking a U-ey in their Cornfield Cadillac” on their way to “the city” for a “dog and a pop,” you’ll know you’re in Illinois!
Sources
[1] https://wheninyourstate.com/illinois/15-expressions-youll-only-understand-if-youre-from-illinois/ [2] https://wheninyourstate.com/illinois/19-unique-sayings-that-only-make-sense-in-illinois/ [3] https://97zokonline.com/illinois-sayings-others-dont-understand/ [4] https://wheninyourstate.com/illinois/slang-terms-illinois/ [5] https://967theeagle.net/not-from-illinois-you-wont-understand-these-6-expressions/