Chicagoland name (vs, inclusive, metro)

[Chicago60614]

I hear it all the time.

There are almost 5 million hits on Google.

[mendelman]

I use it all the time. I even have a t-shirt that says "Welcome from Chicagoland"

[Steve-o]

I use it all the time, and hear it all the time as well. Nothing wrong with the phrase. Now "Chi-town"? Thats another story.

[mendelman]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

Now "Chi-town"? Thats another story.

Indeed. I only ever hear non Chicagolanders use that term (written or spoken). It always sounds weird when spoken, because the sound for "Chi" (shy) is always pronounced differently than how "Chi" (shh) is pronounced within the name "Chicago". So, really it should be pronounced shh-town instead of shy-town, but unfortunately shh-town sounds like sh*t-town.

I prefer Chicagoland because of the sense of large scale I get from it, whereas Chi-town always sounds dinky.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by mendelman

I prefer Chicagoland because of the sense of large scale I get from it, whereas Chi-town always sounds dinky.

I agree. It is an incredibly vast area. Driving from Waukegan to Joliet then out to Geneva and to Round Lake to Gary to Gurnee.... its just GARGANTUAN and the term Chicagoland fits perfectly.

[TheTimidBlueBars]

I use it all the time, especially when talking to people from the area - outsiders aren't as likely to know it.

[WildWestDude]

Use it all the time too and it shows that you're most likely a native or a long time resident of the area.

[edsg25]

Originally Posted by Future Trooper

I wonder where the term Chicagoland orignated?

I've heard Chicagoland in movies dating back to the 1960's

a product of the Chicago Tribune; they coined it. The Trib used to have a "Chicagoland Map"

[nonnieparent]

Originally Posted by TheTimidBlueBars

I use it all the time, especially when talking to people from the area - outsiders aren't as likely to know it.

Agreed. Feel like it's a native Chicagolander term.

[nonnieparent]

One thing that makes me nuts though is when I see "Chicagoland area." It's like PIN number.