*Originally published on March 19, 2020:
Every city has its own quirks and subcultures. With centuries of history behind it, even Washington, D.C., itself has developed its own culture and, consequently, some unique words, phrases, and overall lingo.
Here are a few of our favorite Washington, D.C., terms:
Your Guide to Washington, D.C., Lingo:
Bamma
- What it means to most people: Slang for Alabama
- What it means to D.C. residents: A person with no class, style, or taste. Ouch!
The Hill
- What it means to most people: A small raised area of land
- What it means to D.C. residents: The political center of the city where many of your friends and acquaintances probably work
DMV
- What it means to most people: The Department of Motor Vehicles. Where you waste hours of your time just to learn that you didn't bring the proper paperwork.
- What it means to D.C. residents: The District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia area. Some only include areas where the Metro goes, while others consider the entirety of each state to be in "the DMV."
Mambo
- What it means to most people: A Latin dance
- What it means to D.C. residents: A delicious orange condiment for dipping fried foods into (found at carry-out restaurants)! It's like a barbecue sauce but a little sweeter.
The Mall
- What it means to most people: Where you go shopping
- What it means to D.C. residents: The National Mall. Where you take your friends and family when they come and visit.
Nats
- What it means to most people: Those tiny, annoying bugs (gnats)
- What it means to D.C. residents: The Washington Nationals!
Chevy Chase
- What it means to most people: The famous actor
- What it means to D.C. residents: The Northwest neighborhood right on the border of Maryland (also a town in Maryland—I know, it's confusing!)
Brunch
- What it means to most people: A meal you eat in the late morning or early afternoon
- What it means to D.C. residents: An opportunity to drink bottomless mimosas ... oh, and get some breakfast food! (Otherwise known as the highlight of our week!)
