double-nickel

[ duhb-uhl-nik-uhl ]

noun

, Slang.

1. the national speed limit of 55 miles per hour as established in 1974 on U.S. highways.

Word History and Origins

Origin of double-nickel¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Two decades of culture war ensued, as rural Americans and Republicans turned against the very idea of oil conservation, represented by those double-nickel interstate signs.

From Slate

“She called it the double-nickel,” Graham said.

From Washington Post

Nobody met the moment better than Jordan, from his 63 in the playoffs against the great 1986 Celtics in Boston Garden to his  double-nickel against the Knicks in their Garden after ending his first retirement.

From Chicago Tribune

Nobody met the moment better than Jordan, from his 63 in the playoffs against the great 1986 Celtics in Boston Garden to his  double-nickel against the Knicks in their Garden after ending his first retirement.

From Chicago Tribune