When you grow up in a state rife with tradition, there are some habits you just can’t shake. It happens to everyone – people from New Jersey can’t stop getting tans and Californians are addicted to avocado. If you’re a true Illinoisan, you’ll know all about these 11 habits.
It’s hard to deny your heritage. Keep scrolling to uncover habits of Illinoisans you may not even realize exist.
- Calling soft drinks “pop” and “soda”
Pixabay/StockSnap Depending on which region of Illinois you are from, you’re used to calling that sweet, bubbly drink by one of two names. You recognize the other terms, but it’s hard to call the drink by anything else.
- Getting excited by trains
Wikimedia Commons/Slambo Not commuter trains, of course, but the ones that Illinois is famous for. While most can’t stand it when a train dare impede on their commute time, railfans secretly enjoy the chance to train watch.
- Giving directions in minutes rather than miles
Flickr/Ken Lund We could guestimate the miles for you, but the real question is how long does it take to get there. Depending on traffic and construction, that amount of time is likely to vary greatly.
- Being kind to everyone you meet
Pixabay Maybe not in the city, but in the rest of Illinois’ charming towns, locals are friendly and quick to greet a stranger passing by. We feel a little awkward trying to avoid eye contact and so prefer to give a kind smile.
- Claiming “The Simpsons” takes places in Illinois
Wikimedia Commons/Bill Tracey While the town is called Springfield, the creators of the show note that it is not based on any specific city and that there are many towns in the U.S. with that name. Of course, Illinois is the one best known for nuclear power plants, like where Homer works. Just saying.
- Craving thick crust pizza, horseshoe sandwiches, and sweet and savory popcorn mixes
Flickr/Carlos Pacheco Illinois is home to many delicious eats, and you can’t find them just anywhere. Illinoisans can’t deny the genius behind mixing caramel and Cheddar popcorn, piling fries on top of bread, and putting the sauce on the very top of the pizza.
- Doing nothig when you hear a tornado siren
Wikimedia Commons/Ben Franske In some states, it’s a big deal when that high-pitched noise starts, but in Illinois, it could be anything from a test of the system to an alert to farmers that it is noon. They often go off in the middle of the day when skies are clear and blue.
- Driving on icy roads
Max Pixel Some states shut down when snow falls, but not Illinois. We’d have to go MIA for an entire season if we did, so most have gotten used to driving in the snow. You just have to be a little more careful.
- Wearing shorts or sandals in the winter
Flickr/Andy Vernon Illinoisans were made for the snow. Shorts, flip flops, dresses - we’ll wear whatever we want, when we want. The cold never bothered us anyway.
- Calling Chicago “the city”
Pixabay/quinntheislander That only works when you are in Illinois and talking to an Illinoisan. Otherwise, they might assume you’re talking about any number of cities.
- Rooting for da Bears
Wikimedia Commons/Jauerback While many Illinoisans would like to sweep them under the rug sometimes, they can’t help but internally root for the Bears. Our heartstrings get a little tight every time they actually win a game.
No one knows better than you what it’s like to be from this state. Check out nine awkward moments everyone from Illinois has endured at least once.
Pixabay/StockSnap
Depending on which region of Illinois you are from, you’re used to calling that sweet, bubbly drink by one of two names. You recognize the other terms, but it’s hard to call the drink by anything else.
Wikimedia Commons/Slambo
Not commuter trains, of course, but the ones that Illinois is famous for. While most can’t stand it when a train dare impede on their commute time, railfans secretly enjoy the chance to train watch.
Flickr/Ken Lund
We could guestimate the miles for you, but the real question is how long does it take to get there. Depending on traffic and construction, that amount of time is likely to vary greatly.
Pixabay
Maybe not in the city, but in the rest of Illinois’ charming towns, locals are friendly and quick to greet a stranger passing by. We feel a little awkward trying to avoid eye contact and so prefer to give a kind smile.
Wikimedia Commons/Bill Tracey
While the town is called Springfield, the creators of the show note that it is not based on any specific city and that there are many towns in the U.S. with that name. Of course, Illinois is the one best known for nuclear power plants, like where Homer works. Just saying.
Flickr/Carlos Pacheco
Illinois is home to many delicious eats, and you can’t find them just anywhere. Illinoisans can’t deny the genius behind mixing caramel and Cheddar popcorn, piling fries on top of bread, and putting the sauce on the very top of the pizza.
Wikimedia Commons/Ben Franske
In some states, it’s a big deal when that high-pitched noise starts, but in Illinois, it could be anything from a test of the system to an alert to farmers that it is noon. They often go off in the middle of the day when skies are clear and blue.
Max Pixel
Some states shut down when snow falls, but not Illinois. We’d have to go MIA for an entire season if we did, so most have gotten used to driving in the snow. You just have to be a little more careful.
Flickr/Andy Vernon
Illinoisans were made for the snow. Shorts, flip flops, dresses - we’ll wear whatever we want, when we want. The cold never bothered us anyway.
Pixabay/quinntheislander
That only works when you are in Illinois and talking to an Illinoisan. Otherwise, they might assume you’re talking about any number of cities.
Wikimedia Commons/Jauerback
While many Illinoisans would like to sweep them under the rug sometimes, they can’t help but internally root for the Bears. Our heartstrings get a little tight every time they actually win a game.
What other habits do you find hard to shake? Share your thoughts with us!
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