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A Comprehensive Guide to Prison Slang: Uncovering the Hidden Language of Incarceration

Ted Simmons

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Published in The Criminal Alphabet: An A Z Of Prison Slang

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The world behind bars is a realm unto itself, with its own unique language and customs. Prison slang, the vocabulary used by inmates to communicate, is an enigmatic and fascinating aspect of this hidden society. From common phrases to obscure terminology, prison slang serves as a means of expressing solidarity, maintaining Free Download, and navigating the challenges of incarceration.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to prison slang, offering an insider's view into the hidden language of inmates. By exploring the origins, meanings, and uses of prison slang, we will shed light on the complex and often misunderstood world of those who have experienced incarceration.

The Criminal Alphabet: An A-Z of Prison Slang

by David Serge

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1546 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	370 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Origins of Prison Slang

Prison slang has its roots in various sources, including:

Criminal subcultures: Many prison terms originate from the criminal underworld, where they are used to communicate discreetly about illegal activities.
Geographic regions: Different regions of the country have their own unique slang terms, reflecting the cultural and linguistic diversity of the inmate population.
Historical events: Some slang terms have their origins in historical events or figures, such as the term "joint" for prison, which is believed to have originated during the Civil War.

Over time, prison slang has evolved into a complex and ever-changing lexicon, with new terms being constantly introduced and old ones falling out of use.

Meanings and Uses of Prison Slang

Prison slang serves a variety of purposes within the prison environment, including:

Communication: Prison slang provides inmates with a way to communicate effectively and discreetly, especially in situations where their conversations may be monitored by guards.
Identification: Slang terms can help inmates identify their own group or affiliation within the prison hierarchy.
Solidarity: Sharing a common language helps create a sense of community and solidarity among inmates.
Humor: Prison slang is often used for humor and entertainment, providing a way for inmates to cope with the stresses of incarceration.

Prison slang is not simply a random collection of words and phrases. It is a complex and sophisticated system of communication that reflects the unique experiences and perspectives of those who have been incarcerated.

Common Prison Slang Terms

Here are some common prison slang terms and their meanings:

Bird: A sentence, as in "He's ng a ten-year bird."
Bust: To be arrested.
Cell block: A section of a prison where inmates are housed.
Chow: Food.
Code: A set of rules and regulations that inmates follow to maintain Free Download and safety within the prison.
Cop: A police officer.
Fish: A new inmate.
Guard: A correctional officer.
Joint: A prison.
Kite: A letter.
Lockdown: A period of time when inmates are confined to their cells.
Mug: A person's face.
Rat: An inmate who informs on other inmates.
Script: A piece of paper with instructions or information on it.
Shank: A homemade knife.
Snitch: An inmate who informs on other inmates.
Square: A person who is not involved in criminal activity.
Yard: The outdoor recreation area of a prison.

These are just a few of the many prison slang terms that are used by inmates. The vocabulary of prison slang is vast and constantly evolving, with new terms being introduced all the time.

Prison slang is a complex and fascinating language that offers a glimpse into the hidden world of incarceration. It is a means of communication, identification, solidarity, and humor, and it reflects the unique experiences and perspectives of those who have been incarcerated.

Understanding prison slang is essential for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system and the lives of those who have been affected by it.

The Criminal Alphabet: An A-Z of Prison Slang

by David Serge

4 out of 5