Definitions by Smartypants

loop

"The Loop" is the local name for Chicago's downtown area, so named because of the way the city's elevated trains (or el) loops around the area. Also used with directions, such as "North Loop," "South Loop," or "West Loop." There is, however, no "East Loop" because that would put you in Lake Michigan.

A: Where do you work?
B: Down in the Loop.

loop by smartypants October 7, 2004

bagman 

Someone who transports goods or money between to people in a criminal activity. For example, a thug that comes around to collect extortion money and then brings it to a more senior gang member. Another example would be a lawyer that collects money to bribe a judge.

Give the money to the bagman and those speeding tickets will disappear.

bagman by smartypants October 7, 2004

double nickle 

Chicago area nickname for an interstate on the city's south side (I-55). The term is derived from the double 5's in the name. It originated as trucker slang and is sometimes used by others.

The double nickle is so full of potholes I nearly wrecked my car.

double nickle by smartypants October 7, 2004

gapers

people that gather at the scene of a crime or accident to see the results. In Chicago traffic reports a "gapers delay" is the traffic slowdown that occurs when others slow down to see a roadside accident.

I couldn't see if I knew the guy that got shot, there were too many gapers.

gapers by smartypants October 7, 2004

green limousine 

older slang term used to describe Chicago buses which is derived from there formerly green color. The term has been used less frequently because most Chicago buses are now mostly blue and white.

A: How are you gettin' to work now that Sheila wrecked your car?
B: I guess I will be taking the green limousine.

green limousine by smartypants October 7, 2004

wolfpack 

a group of several tow trucks that lay in wait near stadiums, concerts, or other large events waiting to tow cars that may be parked illegally.

Don't even think about parking in that loading zone, I just saw a wolfpack around the corner.

wolfpack by smartypants October 7, 2004

skitching 

(1) the act of being pulled by a vehicle (car, truck, tractor, etc.) while either riding on a skateboard, skates, bicycle, handcart, etc.

(2) the act of being dragged from the rear bumper of a vehicle during winter months when there is a lot of snow present. Children do this by waiting at stop signs to grab onto unsuspecting cars while they stop and being dragged while sliding their feet on the snow.

So, I slammed on my breaks when I saw the kid skitching on my bumper and he slid right under the car.

skitching by smartypants October 7, 2004