Why People in Southern California Say ‘The 5’ and ‘The 99’

People in Southern California have a unique way of naming their highways. Instead of saying 'Freeway 5' or 'Highway 99', they often drop the descriptor and simply refer to them as 'The 5' or 'The 99'. This quirk is not exclusive to Southern California, however, as explained by experts and personal experiences.

Origins and Reasons

The practice of saying 'The 5' or 'The 99' began due to a combination of historical and linguistic factors. One major reason is the early adoption of the freeway system in Southern California. Unlike other states, where highways are typically named with words like 'State Highway' or 'Interstate', Southern California often names freeways with numbers or initial designations, such as 'The 5 Freeway'.

Another significant factor is the influence of radio traffic commentators. A well-known radio traffic commentator in the Los Angeles area was consistent in using 'The' before the numeric designations. His listeners adopted this practice, and thus it spread throughout Southern California. This habit even carried over after decades, as David M. mentioned, having a new visitor drop into saying 'the 40' and 'the 15' within minutes of landing at the Ontario, California airport.

Comparisons with Other Regions

The practice is not widespread outside of Southern California. According to Martha P., she has never heard this term used in other parts of California or in other states. In fact, the use of 'The' before highway numbers is used primarily as a parody or a joke in these areas.

Jim S. provides more context, sharing his experience working in a county highway department where the term 'The' before the road name was common. He recalls places like 'Old State Road' and 'Zenobia Road', but noted that this practice is not followed where he currently lives.

Metaphorical Usage

Many people in Southern California also use 'The' to describe large institutions or entities that seem to control their lives, such as 'The Federal Reserve' or 'The Shaft'. This usage of 'The' can be seen as a form of respect or acknowledgment of the significant impact these institutions have on daily life.

Carlos A. offers a cultural explanation, suggesting that the widespread use of 'The' before highway numbers could be seen as a way to emphasize these freeways' importance in regional transportation. This custom may have started with traffic news and spread through radio commentary.

Conclusion

The familiar saying 'We just do it that way' captures the essence of how Southern Californians uniquely name their freeways. This linguistic quirk, rooted in the early days of freeway development and amplified by media influence, continues to this day. Whether it's 'The 5' or 'The 99', this practice adds a unique flavor to the language of Southern California, setting it apart from other regions.