Illinois is such an awesome place, and we’re flooded with tourists because of it. But out-of-staters sometimes say words or phrases that make us go “uhhhhhhh.” Here are ten of our favorites:

1. Soda
James Pockele/Flickr
Okay, really, it's pop when you're in Illinois.
2. Bubbler
Karyn Christner/Flickr
If you visit from Wisconsin, it's called a drinking fountain or water fountain.
3. Y'all
Kevin Dooley/Flickr
It's "you guys" or "yous guys."
4. Up Nort' (Up North)
Beverly/Flickr
What are you referring to? North where?
5. Can you borrow me one?
GotCredit/Flickr
What are you saying? Ohhh...you mean loan you one?

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6. Bag (pronounced "baaaaaaaaaaaaag")
Cheon Fong Leow/Flickr
Okay, we probably know what you're saying, but aren't going to respond.
7. Stop and Go Lights
Shaun Fisher/Flickr
They're traffic lights!
8. Jimmies
Austin Kirk/Flickr
You mean Jimmy Johns? Ohh...you mean sprinkles.
9. Skeeter
Dr. Relling/Flickr
They're called mosquitoes.
10. Icebox
Richard Kelland/Flickr
Definitely called a fridge.

What other words do out-of-staters say that you just can’t wrap your head around?

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