Potomac fever

noun

1. the determination or fervor to share in the power and prestige of the U.S. government in Washington, D.C., especially by being appointed or elected to a government position.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Potomac fever¹

1965–70; after the Potomac River, on which Washington, D.C., is located

Example Sentences

Not a strong foundation for a presidential campaign, but Potomac fever is a powerful thing.

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His critics say he’s caught “Potomac fever” in which politicians become single-mindedly focused on Washington power.

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The American taxpayers spend millions every year to employ these people in order to protect Potomac Fever victims in their very fragile conditions.

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Having been babied and protected from reality so long in their Potomac Fever convalescences, you can’t suddenly expect members to go about with no one clotting around them like curds of cottage cheese with political science degrees.

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Potomac Fever is a pre-existing condition for many in Congress.

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