Chi Raq

American Slang

Definition

A slang, often pejorative nickname for Chicago—combining “Chicago” and “Iraq”—used to evoke the city’s gun violence, and widely criticized as sensationalist and stigmatizing.

Examples

"He grew up on the South Side and bristled whenever someone called his hometown Chi Raq."

"National outlets slapped the Chi Raq label on the city after the weekend’s shootings, prompting backlash from residents."

"Community leaders held a rally urging reporters to stop using Chi Raq, calling it a harmful, sensationalist nickname."