I originally thought it was a betting thing (and perhaps it still is), but this is my take: "Double nickels" is trucker jargon for the 55 mph speed limit (from the National Maximum Speed Limit set from 1974-1995). read more
"On your dime" refers to your expense (e.g., a caller's dime to make a phone call). "Getting off the dime" refers to showing initiative. The phrase dates back to the classic Minutemen album Double Nickels on the Dime. read more
Double Nickels on the Dime is the third album by American punk trio Minutemen, released on the California independent record label SST Records in 1984. A double album containing 45 songs, Double Nickels on the Dime combines elements of punk rock, funk, country, spoken word and jazz, and references a variety of themes, from the Vietnam War and racism in America, to working class experience and linguistics. read more
Double Nickels on the Dime is a double album by the punk-esque trio The Minutemen. The production of the album was inspired and spurred on by the release of Hüsker Dü’s Zen Arcade double album. The Title Double Nickels on the Dime refers to driving 55mph (double nickels) on the dime (exactly) which was a joke about the Sammy Hagar song “I Can’t Drive 55”. read more