Comprehensive Listing of Inmate Slang Terms and Definitions
1. Ace:
- Definition: A close friend or confidant within the prison.
2. Beef:
- Definition: A dispute or issue with another inmate or group.
3. Bid:
- Definition: The length of an inmate’s prison sentence.
4. Boss:
- Definition: A respectful term for correctional officers, used to avoid conflict.
5. Bug:
- Definition: An inmate with mental health issues or erratic behavior.
6. Burn:
- Definition: A cigarette or tobacco product.
7. Cellie:
- Definition: A cellmate, someone sharing the same cell.
8. Chomo:
- Definition: A derogatory term for a child molester.
9. Chow:
- Definition: Prison meals or the act of eating.
10. Commissary:
- Definition: A store within the prison where inmates can purchase goods.
11. Convict:
- Definition: An experienced inmate who knows the prison system well.
12. C.O.:
- Definition: Correctional Officer.
13. Dead Time:
- Definition: Time spent in prison without participating in productive activities.
14. Fish:
- Definition: A new or inexperienced inmate.
15. Gassing:
- Definition: Throwing bodily fluids at someone, usually a guard.
16. Green Light:
- Definition: Authorization from a gang to assault or kill someone.
17. Hit:
- Definition: An attack or assault on another inmate, often ordered by a gang.
18. Hole:
- Definition: Segregation or solitary confinement.
19. Ink:
- Definition: Tattoos.
20. Jack:
- Definition: To steal from another inmate.
21. Jam Up:
- Definition: To confront someone aggressively.
22. Jug:
- Definition: Homemade alcohol brewed in prison.
23. Kite:
- Definition: A secret note or message passed between inmates.
24. Lockdown:
- Definition: Confinement of inmates to their cells, usually due to a security threat.
25. Mac:
- Definition: To flirt or engage in romantic talk with someone.
26. Mule:
- Definition: An inmate who smuggles contraband.
27. Nickel:
- Definition: A five-year prison sentence.
28. PC (Protective Custody):
- Definition: A status given to inmates who need protection from others.
29. Shank:
- Definition: A homemade knife or stabbing weapon.
30. Short Timer:
- Definition: An inmate with a relatively short time left to serve.
31. Snitch:
- Definition: An inmate who informs on others to the authorities.
32. Store:
- Definition: Another term for the commissary.
33. Tank:
- Definition: A holding cell or dormitory area in a prison.
34. Tattoo Gun:
- Definition: A homemade device used to create tattoos.
35. Throwdown:
- Definition: A fight or physical altercation.
36. Ticket:
- Definition: A disciplinary report or infraction.
37. Wrap:
- Definition: The reputation or profile of an inmate, often related to their criminal activities or behavior in prison.
38. Yard:
- Definition: The outdoor area for recreation and exercise.
39. Yardbird:
- Definition: An inmate who frequently uses the yard for socializing or working out.
40. Zipperhead:
- Definition: A derogatory term for an inmate who has had brain surgery or visible head scars.
This list captures the unique slang and expressions used by inmates to navigate the complexities of prison life, reflecting their perspectives and experiences.
