Listed alphabetically is a list of native DC "speak" including popular references, terminology, acronyms, and other interesting items of note.
Table of Contents
Chesapeake Bay
When we refer to "the Bay," we mean the Chesapeake Bay.
DC's Quadrants
The District of Columbia is a planned city and, as such, is divided into four quadrants: Northwest (NW), Northeast (NE), Southwest (SW), and Southeast (SE). All the street list the name of the street and the quadrant you are in.
The Mall
"The Mall" is the stretch of grass between the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument. Smithsonian museums run along either side of the grassy stretch. It is not DC's shopping district (as tourist from out-of-town once assumed).
Native Washingtonian
Someone who was born and raised in Washington, DC or the surrounding suburbs of Maryland or Virginia.