General
the 405
What does the 405 mean?
Interstate 405, a major Los Angeles freeway. Southern Californians attach 'the' before freeway numbers.
"The 405 is a parking lot right now."
Origin
SoCal freeway-naming convention using the definite article.
Frequently asked questions
What is 'the 405'?
The 405 is Interstate 405, one of the busiest freeways in Los Angeles, notorious for heavy traffic.
Why do people say 'the' before freeway numbers?
Attaching 'the' before a freeway number, as in 'the 405' or 'the 101,' is a distinctive Southern California speech habit.
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