Re: Request help with traffic terminology

[Robert Lieblich <lieblich -at- EROLS -dot- COM>]

Ross Howard wrote:

<snip>

> >>Tailgating (driving too close to the car in front)
> >That's the term in common usage.
>
> Just "driving too close to the car in front" ("bumper to bumber" is
> also used, but generally to describe traffic jams, not cars moving at
> normal speeds).

Watching my beloved Redskins (who really should change their name) hand
a game to the Cowboys yesterday (we're talking American football, here,
folks) reminded me of an entirely distinct meaning of "tailgaiting."  In
many places the crowds at football games are so large that hundreds or
even thousands of people arrive at the parking lots hours in advance of
the start of the game so they can park near the stadium.  They then hold
parties in the area of their cars.  Many of them drive station wagons
and let down the tailgates of those station wagons to form serving
areas.  Hence "tailgate" - to party in the parking lot before going to
see the football game.  It's standard usage in the Washington, D.C.,
area, and I've heard it in other US cities.

Bob Lieblich

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