What is the Chicago personality? (Manhattan, San Jose: apartment, buy, restaurants)

[Sailaway50]

I was born and raised in the Chgo area, spent 17 years away, then returned 17 years ago.

The entire time I was gone, I missed speaking to what I considered a Chicagoan. People here don't "dance around the subject" as much, particularly in a work environment, and seem to tell you like it is fearlessly (but not necessarily rudely or aggressively). Much more direct. More "real", to use a cliche. I definitely noticed the difference.

The Chicago personality gets it done....faster.

[triton1]

For me, chicagoland's personality is like that of Dolores Umbridge.

[Sailaway50]

Originally Posted by triton1

For me, chicagoland's personality is like that of Dolores Umbridge.

Maybe I'm out of it somewhere here, but can someone please tell me: who is Dolores Umbridge?

[via chicago]

Originally Posted by SBurgess

Maybe I'm out of it somewhere here, but can someone please tell me: who is Dolores Umbridge?

A Google search will explain.

Ignore the dude. He has issues.

[triton1]

Originally Posted by SBurgess

Maybe I'm out of it somewhere here, but can someone please tell me: who is Dolores Umbridge?

She is a character from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, silly!! (Defense against the Dark Arts teacher)

[caninecounselor]

I think there is nobody like the Chicagoan. Born in Chicago, raised in suburbs. then left America in 1996. Let me tell you, I have lived in several EU countries since 1996, and honest to God, there is nobody like the Chicago people. They are so down to earth, and entirely real. Nothing else compares. Full stop. End of story.

I could go on and on about the experience, but you get my point.

[GoCUBS1]

Originally Posted by SBurgess

The Chicago personality gets it done....faster.

That is so accurate. I just spent a week at Disney World with the kids (ugh...but I had to do it for them). We met people from all over the U.S. and the world. There were several times in bus or park lines where things weren't running "efficiently" enough. It seemed to always be someone from either Chicago (including myself) or NY who spoke up and took action. It kept things moving.

When people found out I was from Chicago, I was asked where my Blackberry was. When I worked in Europe, I was always asked about Al Capone and Michael Jordan. Maybe our image is finally changing.

Also, I did not see one Chicago adult dressed in Mickey Mouse gear. Seriously, it's a strange Disney world with all those grown-ups wearing pastel Mickey shirts, Goofy ears, and lanyards with the million Disney pins they've collected. It was so nice getting back to the beige of O'hare.

[aragx6]

My whole life I lived in the suburbs of St. Louis and was constantly annoyed by the slow pace of people, I've always been a little gruff, and people joked that i walked too fast. I came to Chicago to visit for the first time and realized I should have been born here!

[chicagocubs]

Originally Posted by Sailaway50

I was born and raised in the Chgo area, spent 17 years away, then returned 17 years ago.

The entire time I was gone, I missed speaking to what I considered a Chicagoan. People here don't "dance around the subject" as much, particularly in a work environment, and seem to tell you like it is fearlessly (but not necessarily rudely or aggressively). Much more direct. More "real", to use a cliche. I definitely noticed the difference.

The Chicago personality gets it done....faster.

I am a native Chicagoan from the Logan Square neighbourhood that has lived "down south" in SC/NC (currently NC) since 1974. I have had the worst time fitting in here. I have been called rude, a Yankee, TOO MUCH of a Yankee and my "tone" is mean. Still don't know what in the world THAT means! Everything here has double meanings and your appearance is everything.

As a result, any friends that I have here are either Chicagoans or northeasterners. It is very annoying.

Oh, and they don't know from baseball....how sad is that!

Just wish it wasn't so stinking cold there. I've gotten used to the mild winters....

[urbansagacity]

the chicago personality depends if you are from here or you are a transplant, just like in nyc, sf, la or any other city.