Image Source: Unsplash
Ever noticed that when a group of people is hanging out with each other for a while, they create special words and phrases that make sense to no one else but them? This can happen in schools, hospitals, offices, workshops, and of course, in prisons. You’ve probably even made some up with your friends. In this blog article, Cell Block Legendz will refer to Prison Slang To Know How To Relate To The Incarcerated. We realize that slang is used in jails as well and some slang words are universally accepted and spoken.
However, unlike some slang words,
prison slang might be harder for novices to understand. If you ever watched the
popular series Prison Break, then you probably felt lost during the first few
episodes. This may be because prison slang contains lots of Ebonics and give
words and phrases different meanings than we are used to –which is what makes a
good slang word or phrase if you think about it!
So, if you’re planning a visit to
a prison ward or you have some incarcerated loved ones or close friends
(“homies”), then knowing prison slang can help you flow with the conversation –
and maybe keep you from getting laughed at. With this list of some prison slang and
its definitions below, you can easily communicate with the incarcerated
without any confusion.
Image Source: Unsplash
·
All
Day
What comes to your mind when you hear a prisoner or a jailer say, All Day? Do you think ‘Oh, he will be carrying out a chore all day or he’ll be staying in his cell all day’? If you thought either of these, you’ll surely be surprised to hear that All Day is prison slang for a life sentence. So if someone says, “I’m here all day”… you know what that means.
·
Beef
When you hear the word Beef in
prison, then the speaker could be referring to two things. It could be a
misunderstanding with another prisoner –which is the most popular meaning of
the slang (e.g. “Me and him, we got beef”) or it could be a criminal charge
(e.g. “I caught an assault beef in da Bronx”).
·
Brake fluid
Brake Fluid is prison slang for
psychiatric medication. Most wonder why inmates equate medicine with something that sounds
so vile. Well, most prisoners hate the psych ward and medicines, so,
understandably, they choose to call it something equally displeasing.
·
Bug
When you hear prisoners refer to
a fellow convict as a Bug, they mean that he or she is untrustworthy or a snitch.
Remember in action movies, how bugs are often planted to reveal plans and
plots? That’s basically what a bug in prison also does.
·
Buck
Rogers Time
This prison slang has been in
existence since the 20th century. It refers to a release date that is so far
into the future, that it’s depressing. For example, a prisoner jailed in 2019
and is to be released in 2025 might consider it Buck Rogers Time.
Image Source: Unsplash
·
Bum
Beef
What some people who are not in
jail or prison may simply refer to as a false accusation, prisoners call it Bum Beef.
When you remember that “Beef” means a prison charge, then you can easily recall what
Bum Beef means.
·
Cell Warrior
A cell warrior is a prisoner who’s
only tough when locked up in a cell. They bluster and make enough threats
behind bars, but when released into the yard with other prisoners, they become
cowards.
·
Chin Check
A chin check is like a
provocative action. It’s when a convict punches another convict in the chin to
provoke him to retaliate or to see if he will. Chin checks often result in
full-blown prison fights.
·
Cowboy
Cowboy is one of the most
interesting and quite creative prison slang out there. It’s used to refer to
a new and strongly disliked correction officer. When spelled backward, you get
yobwoc; young obnoxious bastard we often con!
· Da Coup/The Box/The Hole
If you hear someone use these slang terms, then they most likely are referring to solitary confinement, which is the isolation of a prisoner in a separate cell as a punishment.
·
Doing
the Dutch
When an inmate is considering
Doing the Dutch, he wants to commit suicide. If the Dutch Act has been carried
out, the inmate has committed suicide. So if you hear an inmate talk about
Doing The Dutch, talk to them or get them help!
·
Dry snitching
Are you wondering how snitching
can be dry?
Isn’t snitching just… well, snitching? Well, this may depend on the
context and circumstances that one is presented with and their views on snitching.
Well, you can expect inmates to be extra creative with their slang words and
phrases! Dry Snitching is snitching indirectly. For example, speaking loudly
about another inmate’s actions or plans and drawing attention to them. Acting
suspiciously in the presence of correction officers or even giving officers
information on cell activities without mentioning names may be considered dry
snitching.
·
Duck
An inmate who snitches on fellow
convicts is a Bug and an officer who shares information on other prison staff
to prisoners is called a Duck. Everybody gets a name in prison!
·
Four-piece
suit
A Four Piece Suit is a complete
restraint set that includes handcuffs, waist chains, leg irons, and security
boxes. Full restraints are often used to punish prisoners for certain actions,
not just to keep them in control because they are uncomfortable and prisoners,
or anyone really, hates to be restrained so thoroughly for hours!
· Fresh Fish/Fresh Uptop
New inmates may be referred to as Fresh Fish/Fresh Uptop. So, if you hear someone refer to a new inmate with these slang words, then you know that they are newly arrived at the correctional facility.
Image Source: Unsplash
·
Grandma’s
house
“Now wait a minute, what’s a
grandma doing in prison?!” Don’t think this out loud amid prisoners if you
don’t want to get laughed at! When you hear the incarcerated say, Grandma’s
House, they mean a prison gang’s meeting place. A place where they all gather
to make their plans and to chill. It could also mean a gang leader’s cell.
· Half A Man
This term is not referring to someone's less-than-stellar significant other when it's used in prison. It actually refers to $50.00 that may be put on an inmate's commissary account.
·
Heat
Wave
When you hear inmates talk about
a Heat Wave, it means that an inmate or several inmates have gotten into big
trouble, attracting attention to all inmates, or a group of them. For example,
“David and Jack were caught fighting with weapons and now the entire prison is
facing a heat wave!”
·
5K1
If you’re already familiar with what a snitch or rat is, then you may easily get that 5K1 is slang that may be used in federal prisons.
·
Mook/Mo/Gump
A prisoner who is known to engage in prison as a homosexual is referred to as Mook or Mo. In federal prison, they may be referred to as Gump.
Image Source: Unsplash
Conclusion
Learning prison slang words and
phrases can make it much easier to relate with the incarcerated. The slang
words and phrases that are used will depend on the prison culture, geographical state, and/or correctional
facility where a prisoner is located at.
Some prisoners may
also put their spin on slang words. You can observe the newest Cowboy or spot
who was convicted based on a Bum Beef. You can also watch your favorite prison
movie with ease!
Did
you enjoy this blog? Be sure to share it with friends. Thank you!
Read more on Prison Slang by clicking on the titles of the books below:
(Disclaimer: Affiliate Advertising. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.)
The Book of Prison Slang!: From AB to Zu-Zus
Kindle Edition by Cicero "Unchained" Johnson
Federal Prison Slang: for the Square Guy. Kindle
Edition by J. Bourne
Prison-Ese: A Survivor's Guide to Speaking
Prison Slang Paperback – July 1, 2002 by Gary K. Farlow
Prison Slang: Words and Expressions Depicting
Life Behind Bars by William K. Bentley
The Criminal Alphabet: An A-Z of Prison Slang Kindle Edition by Noel 'Razor' Smith