Definition
The insular world of Washington D.C. politics and federal government, referring to the Interstate 495 loop surrounding the capital. It's where policy gets made by people who've lost touch with reality.
Example Usage
He's been inside the Beltway so long, he thinks $15 is an appropriate wage increase.
Origin
Named after Interstate 495, which encircles Washington D.C.
Fun Fact
The term became popular in the 1980s to describe the perceived cultural separation between Washington insiders and the rest of America.
Source: Common political journalism terminology
Related Terms
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See “Beltway” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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