Federal Prison Slang Dictionary
Prison slang has evolved as a unique linguistic subculture, reflecting the distinct experiences and environment of incarcerated individuals. This specialized vernacular originated as a means for inmates to communicate covertly, establish group identity, and navigate the complex social hierarchy within the penal system.
Over time, this jargon has become an integral part of prison culture, helping inmates express solidarity, exert control, and maintain a sense of community and belonging in an otherwise restrictive and isolating environment.
- All Day: Life sentence.
- Ball and Chain: Long sentence.
- Big House: Prison.
- Block/Cell Block: Prison section/unit.
- Bump: Confront another inmate.
- Burned: Caught doing wrong.
- Butthole Bandit: Sexual predator.
- Bunkie/Bunky: Cellmate.
- Cadillac Job: Easy work assignment.
- Can: Prison or jail.
- Check Out: Released from prison.
- Chomo: Child molester/sex offender.
- Chow Hall: Dining area.
- Clink: Prison or jail.
- C.O.: Correctional Officer.
- Commissary: Prison store.
- Convict: Convicted person.
- County: County jail.
- Cuffing: Act of handcuffing.
- Cut: Deal between inmates.
- Daddy: Respected inmate.
- Drop: Attack or assault.
- Duck: Weak inmate.
- Fish: New, inexperienced inmate.
- Five-O: Guard or correctional officer.
- Flat Time: Serving full sentence.
- Flicks: Movies or TV.
- Fresh Fish: Vulnerable new inmate.
- G.P.: General population.
- Grapes: Amphetamines.
- Green Light: Permission for violence.
- Greybar Hotel: Prison.
- Gun Tower: Guard tower.
- Hole/Solitary/The Box: Solitary confinement.
- House: The prison.
- Hump: Punishment.
- In the Wind: Fugitive.
- Jack Mack: Canned mackerel.
- Jacket: Inmate’s reputation.
- Juice: Influence or power.
- Kangaroo Court: Informal hearing.
- Keister: Hide contraband.
- Kite: Secret message.
- Lifer: Inmate with life sentence.
- Lockdown: Inmates confined to cells.
- Lockup: Confined to cell.
- Mainline: Main prison area.
- Meat Wagon: Ambulance.
- Pad: Cell or living area.
- Paperwork: Legal documents.
- Pig: Derogatory for officer.
- Pimp: Trade or sell goods.
- Pinched: Arrested or caught.
- Pop: Attack or assault.
- Punk: Weak or submissive inmate.
- Rack: Bed or sleeping area.
- Rat: Informant.
- Roll Call: Inmate headcount.
- Screw: Correctional officer.
- Shank/Shiv: Homemade weapon.
- Shell: Easily manipulated inmate.
- Shit List: Trouble list.
- Shot Caller: Influential inmate.
- Slinging: Selling drugs.
- Snitch: Informant.
- Spread: Communal meal.
- Square: Law-abiding citizen.
- Stab: Assault with weapon.
- The Count: Inmate count.
- Turnkey: Guard for cell doors.
- Yard: Outdoor recreation area.
While this list is anything BUT exhaustive, it covers all of the most commonly used Federal Prison Slang