chicago lightning
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
Bullets; gunfire.
Register: dated, slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
He said: "Thanks, friend; but you're wasting your time. You better warn Crocker. If that louse makes a play for me, he'll get hit with Chicago lightning!"
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “chicago lightning” mean?
Bullets; gunfire.
Is “chicago lightning” formal or informal?
chicago lightning is generally dated, slang.