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14 sounds every Chicagoan will recognize

"Tamales! Tamales!" and other noises that make up the soundtrack of Chicago.

Written by
Time Out Chicago editors
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Chicago is a machine of a city—it's loud and constantly churning. There's the steady buzz of traffic, the roar of approaching trains and the persistent chatter of its 2.7 million residents. The city's soundtrack can be chaotic at times, but for Chicagoans, it's a satisfying tune. Even though some of us haven't heard these sounds in months, we'd recognize them anywhere. Take a closer look at the distinguishable noises that every Chicagoan knows.

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1. The ding of a train door opening. "Ding-dong! Doors are closing." C'mon. You know you hear this in your head multiple times a day.

2. The bell of the ice cream cart rolling down the sidewalk as you search for change (how could you possibly pass up a Drumstick right now?).

3. The irritating sound of a Ventra tap failure. We feel personally attacked when we see the words "Stop! Insufficient fare" as we body slam into the turnstyle.

4. The yelling of order numbers at Portillo's. It's the only time we don't mind someone yelling at us. "Number five, your order has arrived!"

5. The deafening rattle of a train passing overhead in the Loop. Forget about carrying on a conversation, we can barely hear ourselves think over the clatter.

6. "Cheezborger, cheezborger, cheezborger! Chips, no fries!" Never change, Billy Goat Tavern.

7. The voice of the State Street Preacher condemning your life choices. Listen, we have parents and grandparents for this exact purpose.

8. The quiet lap of Lake Michigan along the Lakefront Trail. Is there anything more peaceful?

9. "Tamales! Tamales!" We'll forever cherish the voice of the Tamale Guy making his way through a crowded dive, but you can't beat the convenience of his new brick-and-mortar restaurant.

10. The Midwestern drawl of the "Chicago accent." This is how you know you're in the presence of a born-and-raised Chicagoan.

11. The muffled roar of Soldier Field when you're in the South Loop during a Bears game. It can be hard to tell if you're hearing cheers or groans.

12. Cicadas making their presence known. You know it's summer in Chicago when these winged insects emerge from the ground and start screaming.

13. The indistinguishable gasp of a friend trying Malört for the first time. It's second only to the twisted face they'll make.

14. The crack of a knife cutting into a tavern-style pizza. The crunch of cracker-thin crust covered in cheese is music to our ears.

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