Chicago Nicknames Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
Chicago Nicknames
- "The Windy City" - It is often recited that this nickname was first used by Charles Gibson Dana, editor of the New York Sun and former editor of the Chicago Republican in 1890 in reference to the city's claims for the World Columbian Exposition. In this theory, it is said the nickname was inspired by the speechmaking proclivities of its politicians more than by its prevailing weather conditions. Ardent word sleuth Barry Popik, however, has found a reference to the "Windy City" in the Cleveland Gazette dated 19 September 1885 and the Cincinnati Enquirer dated 12 February 1877 (pg. 5, col. 2). The name may indicate the summer breezes as is described at Weather Doctor's Weather History (http://www.islandnet.com/~see/weather/history/chicago-nickname.htm).
- "Second City" - So called because it was, for many years, the second-largest city in the United States (after New York City), and also because of its rebirth after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The term was originated in an article by A.J. Liebling that appeared in The New Yorker. The improvisational comedy troupe The Second City, based in Chicago, took their name from this article as well.
- "Chi-town" or simply "Chitown" - Pronunciation of this nickname can vary from "TCHI-town" to "SHAI-town" to "CHEE-town."
- "City of Big Shoulders" - From a Carl Sandburg poem.
- "Hog-Butcher To The World" - From a Carl Sandburg poem.
- "Slaughterhouse to the World"
- "Cowtown"
- "City by the Lake" - Used in the Smashing Pumpkins' song "Tonight, Tonight."
- "City of the Century"
- "My Kind of Town" - According to the song "My Kind of Town (Chicago Is)" (music by James Van Heusen, words by Sammy Cahn, 1964) popularized by Frank Sinatra.
- "That Toddling Town" - According to the lyrics of the song "Chicago" (music and words by Fred Fisher, 1922) also popularized by Frank Sinatra (as well as Tony Bennett). Surprisingly enough Chicago does not have an official song, according to the Chicago Public Library.
- "Sweet Home, Chicago" for those who live or have ever lived there, and have wandered away.
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