What is the Inner and Outer Loop

Non-Locals: what in the heck is the inner and outer loop?  You hear it on the radio, you hear locals talk about it, but you're too embarrassed to ask! Now understand what it means!



http://en.Wikipedia.org

The loop we are referring to is Interstate 495, aka beltway, aka Capital Beltway, aka the parking lot (especially on Friday afternoons).  Us locals use this loop as a frame of reference when talking about directions or location.  When referring to the inner loop, it is the clockwise direction of traffic on the Interstate.  When referring to the outer loop, it is speaking to the counter clockwise direction.

What about when people ask, "do you live inside the beltway?".  Again, this means, inside of the 495 loop as opposed to outside of the beltway.