Words only DC residents understand

We here at Vocabulary Shenanigans reside in numerous states and non-states around this fine country of ours, but a large portion of our authors and thought-leaders reside and/or work in our Capital.

Just a few words that are really, only for DC folks. We say them. We get them. For better or for worse, we are them. Enjoy.

Vocabulary Shenanigans presents:
DC Dictionary
urban dictionary for DC-ites

Adams Morgan: The one place in the city that anyone can afford to get completely trashed. The stench of alcohol from the metro to Columbia Road is evident starting on Thursday around 6 p.m. and doesn't end until Sunday afternoon (or once Football starts, not until Tuesday morning). Every male under the age of thirty has their "going out shirt" on, blue or white (maybe some striped!) button down, untucked, "vintage jeans" and shiny shoes. Look at My Striped Shirt might have been written for all of those guys.

crackberry: this one isn't new by any means,but needs to be put out there. Your company issued Blackberry isn't exactly as cool as you might think it is. Is there really a need to be in contact with your boss 24/7 and constant re-checking for new email messages? No, I didn't think so. See also: Hill Hack.



crashing: used in describing one's workload coming to a screeching halt because your dumbass can't keep deadlines straight and/or can't handle stress or change very well.

"Don't talk to me right now. I'm crashing. "



DC uniform: For the ladies it consists of a black skirt suit, collared button down (maybe a color! Red for power, perhaps!), pointy toed heels and pearls. For the men: suit with white or blue shirt and standard-issue tie. On Fridays, maybe a pink shirt. DC summers are hot, but that doesn't mean the DC uniform changes much, except for the men, when it is completely acceptable for them to wear head-to-toe seersucker.

Group House: a large home (at least 3 bedrooms, 2+ bathrooms) that houses any number of post- grads who can't afford to live on their own (see: Hill Hack) so they combine their forces and are stronger as one! Cheaper per-person rent! Lower utlitiy bills! Food sharing! Common room furniture! All sounds good, except one thing: group house (=?) slow people?

Hill Hack: hopelessly pathetic individuals who settle for a pittance salary by convincing themselves of their unquestionable self importance, resigned to "importance by proxy" -- only using their boss' name in describing their existence while unabashedly dishing out business cards -- even when NOT prompted. And lets not forget the blackberry. the silver star of Hill Hacks. Be sure also to leave your green Hill Hack Identification Card in full view, so everyone, once again, can be reminded that you didn't spend 4 years in college studying U.S. News and World Report while your roommates were playing beer pong for nothing. All those hours watching C-SPAN must pay off for something! So be sure to let everyone on the train know that you are big time, and you came to DC to play.

Metro Couture: Rainbows, Manpurses, and the iPod. Let's not forget a copy of the Economist. Everyone knows you're not reading it, but that intern over there will think you work for the CIA and definitely have sex with you. If the Economist doesn't work for you, steal your neighbor's copy of the Wall Street Journal on the way out the door of your group home and stash it in your Jansport messenger bag that you pass for a briefcase. Chicks dig stock quotes. even if you don't know how to read them.

WashingtonOneUp: when the day/experience/meeting you had proves how much more important you are than anyone else in the room.

chelski: "meeting got canceled, which is better in the long run anyway--too much work to get done today. I am very important, you know."
The Suit: "I had a meeting at the White House today. I totally "WashingtonOneUpped" you today."

What about you?
Do you have any words to add to our DC "Urban" Dictionary?