Chi-town slang is gritty, creative, and deeply rooted in the city's music and neighborhood culture. From drill rap to deep-dish debates, Chicagoans keep their language as bold as their winters.
Janna
·
United States
"Bet literally just means okay, deal, or sounds good. An example would be someone approaches you and they're like, hey, you wanna meet up at seven? And you just go like, bet."
Michael James
·
United States
"Bet means alright or understood. It is used mostly when confirming plans or coming to a mutual understanding. For example, hey, did you see that I put your name down on the guest list? Bet. Thank you."
Haley
·
United States
"That food was bussin. I need another plate. Bussin means extremely good, like really yummy, or like especially with food, especially with food or drinks or something like that. I'm from the United States. I'm American."
Michael James
·
United States
"Ayo means hello or hey. You would say it when starting a sentence or when greeting someone. For example, Ayo, it was great to see you last night. That was an awesome party. Thanks again."
Michael James
·
United States
"Fire means cool or wicked. It can be said to describe something's popularity or relevance in pop culture. For example, yo those sneakers are nice man, I also like the earrings too, they are fire."
Hugues Renaud
·
United States
"Running a fade. Meaning to physically fight someone. Alright, alright, we got a problem here or what? Oh yeah, we got a problem here, alright. Oh, so we have a problem here. Alright, we can run a fade right here, right now, if you want. Okay, tough guy, let's go."
Ayo
"Ayo, you still sliding through tonight? We got pizza, cards, and Marcus already talking big like he is about to cook everybody again."
Running a fade
"He kept mouthing off outside the store, then said we could run a fade right there in the parking lot."
Fire
"Yo, that birria spot on Delancey is fire. I crushed two tacos, hopped on the J to Queens, and was already plotting round two."
Bet
"You pulling up to the L stop by 12? I grabbed the Portillo’s order already, so don’t flake. Bet, I’m on my way."
Bussin
"Bro, this Lou Malnati’s deep dish is bussin bussin. Grab a slice before it’s gone and we’ll hit the lakefront after, yeah?"