9 Weird Things People From Illinois Do
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Stephanie Andrews
Author
No matter where you go, there are certain personalities and traits about locals that may stand out to you. With over 12.8 million people who call Illinois home, it’s no surprise that we may have some commonalities that non-residents might think are a bit out of the ordinary. Whether you are planning to take a trip to Illinois in the near future or you’re an Illinoisan who is just curious whether you exhibit any of these attributes, find out what makes the residents of Illinois tick.
Who doesn’t love a good old fashion hot dog? But if you order one in Illinois you'd better understand that it won’t come with ketchup. And asking for this red condiment might produce sidelong glances, jaw drops and verbal judgments. But don’t worry, tomato lovers - you’ll still be able to enjoy the taste of actual tomatoes on these Illinois dogs (imagine that!).
"If you don’t like the weather then wait five minutes!" If you’re from Illinois, chances are pretty good that you’ve heard this quote bandied about at least once in your lifetime. It’s true that our weather is fickle. We may be sporting scarves and mittens to work in the early morning but by mid-afternoon be ripping off the winter apparel for flip-flops and tank tops.
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This is probably one of the most loathed parts of dealing with winter in Chicago (besides the freezing temperatures and mounds of snow, of course). People get out in the snow and muck to shovel out a parking spot. When they leave the spot they call "dibs" by placing lawn furniture, old cribs and just about anything they can find in the hopes of returning to their coveted pre-shoveled spot. This has been happening in Chicago for over 50 years and while people can argue this issue until the cows come home, it looks like a tradition that is here to stay.
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Well, the statue of Abe Lincoln, of course. Over 200,00 people come to visit Lincoln’s Tomb in Springfield every year, and based on the color of Abe’s bronze nose it looks as if many of his visitors have taken to the time-honored tradition of "nose rubbing." According to legend, rubbing Honest Abe’s nose is supposed to give you good luck (doesn’t hurt to try, right?).
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If you call rural Illinois your home, then chances are you know the good ol' "farmer’s wave." With a raise of their pointer finger, farmers offer up a friendly greeting to fellow farmers, locals and even those just passing by. If you get the farmer’s wave next time you pass through the countryside of Illinois, consider it a sign of solidarity.
You’re an Illinoisan: The Sears Tower will always be the Sears Tower. In 2009, the insurance broker Willis Group Holdings leased out a portion of the building and therefore earned the naming rights to the infamous Chicago skyscraper. Little did they know that locals would still steadfastly standby the original name.
Why? Just why would you pronounce the "S" in Illinois? You wouldn’t say the "S" at the end of Arkansas, would you? The same rings true for this Midwest state. You’ll immediately be pegged as an out-of-towner if you pronounce Illinois as "Il-uh-noiz."
This American restaurant chain has people in Illinois moonstruck. Whether you’re just in the mood for a hot beef sandwich or a Chicago-style hot dog there is a reason we just can’t get enough of Portillo’s fast food. We love it for our workday lunch and even to cater our birthday parties. This chain has become so popular that it’s even expanded into other states. Those Illinoisans must be on to something!
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Also known as March 6th, Casimir Pulaski Day is when we celebrate the Polish soldier who destroyed the British siege at Charleston, South Carolina, thus contributing to America’s independence. But honestly, it’s also just an excuse to have a day off from school (or even possibly work).
Have you lived in Illinois or visited this state and discovered some other interesting behaviors or habits to attribute to Illinoisans? Let us know!
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