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Windy City
10/17/2002
Listen in RealAudio 
For over a century, Chicago has been called The Windy City. However, the nickname's origin has
stirred controversy and debate.
Some believe the nickname derives from the cold winds howling down Chicago's urban canyons.
Others accept that it originated during the 1890 bidding for the World's Fair where Chicago
advocates used a long-winded campaign to win approval. Evidence suggests, however, that the
moniker predates the Fair bid by at least five years.
Word-sleuth, Barry Popik asserts the title was self-bestowed, intended to promote Chicago as a
summer tourist destination and prime residential area. According to the Chicago Tribune in
1886: "The name of 'Windy City'...is intended as a tribute to the refreshing lake breezes of
the great summer resort of the West..."
Perhaps confusion over weather-based origins of Windy City arises, according to meteorologist
Keith Heidorn, because its original connotation is at odds with current thinking. Our mind-set
today links the word "wind" with unpleasant thoughts of windchill, hurricanes, tornadoes and
damage. To us, the nickname "Windy" appears derogatory. But if we travel back a century or
more, "Windy" takes quite a positive spin. Hippocrates, father of medicine, for example,
extolled the virtues of wind for maintaining good health.
During the early Industrial Revolution, cities became infamous for their malodorous, unhealthy
air, soiled by industrial activity, coal and wood burning, and animal stockyards. Steady
winds, however, can blow that filth and odor away and also provide natural air-conditioning
during summer heat.
Today, wind is a nuisance to many, but yesterday, it was a valuable natural resource. No
wonder Chicagoans may have revelled in their nickname: The Windy City.
Keith Heidorn contributed today's story. The Weather Notebook is supported by Subaru, and the
National Science Foundation.
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