Mary Schmich, in the Tribune, wrote an article today about 15 rites to passage for Chicago. Number 4 is quite word related: "You learn how to pronounce Goethe as in Goethe Street - It is not the way the Germans say it." Then there also are the following sayings:

"If your mother says she loves you, check it out."

"We don't want nobody nobody sent." [talk about double negatives!)

"Chicago ain't ready for reform."

"There are two seasons in Chicago, winter and road construction."

While I've lived in Chicago for the majority of my life, I've only heard the last one. Shu has lived here except when he went to college, and he agrees. Oh well.

Now - the question: What are rites of passage where you live?

Pronouncing nearby Greenwich as "Grinnidge".

quote:

Originally posted by Kalleh:
Now - the question: What are rites of passage where you live?

Your mayor smoked crack.

The pronunciation of streets and cities are quite interesting. For example, in the Chicago area Des Plaines is pronounced "Des Planes," which I am sure makes us look like fools to the French.

which I am sure makes us look like fools to the French.

It's OK. The French pronounce London as Londres /'lɔ̃dʁ/. There has never been an R in London.