© Shutterstock

Fish -

This term is given to someone convicted of a crime who just arrived to prison. A "fish" is new to prison politics and how the facility is operated.

© Shutterstock

Agitator -

An "agitator" is an inmate who does everything to start fights with other inmates and prison guards, just for his or her own enjoyment.

© Shutterstock

Jody -

"Jody" is a man who hooks up with an imprisoned person’s wife or girlfriend outside of prison. The term is believed to have originated with the military when enlisted men were away.

© Shutterstock

Ninja Turtles -

The term stems from when correctional officers wears riot gear. It has been said by some that they resemble the actual Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

© Shutterstock

Shot caller -

A "shot caller" is an incarcerated person who calls the shots and hands down the orders when it comes to prisoners with a lower rank.

© Shutterstock

Programmer -

In prison, "programmer" is slang describing an inmate who spends most of their time going to classes and trying to become a better person.

© Shutterstock

Shank -

"Shank" has been used for decades to describe various things, such as the part of a tobacco pipe known as the leg, or as slang for a makeshift knife.

© Shutterstock

Gassing -

When a prisoner wants to get revenge against a correction officer, they might resort to "gassing," which means to throw urine or feces at them from behind bars.

© Shutterstock

X'd out -

When there has been some drama or beef with rival gangs, prisoners can put a hit on them, saying these inmates are "X'd out." This means in theory that their days are numbered.

© Shutterstock

Prison safe -

"Prison safe" refers to the safest place in the inmates' cell. This is where they might stash drugs, cash, and other contraband during cell inspections.

© Shutterstock

Hard candy -

In prison slang, "hard candy" is a gang or an individual who committed a serious violation of unwritten jailhouse rules, such as snitching on someone.

© Shutterstock

High-power -

The term is used to describe ultra-high-security lockup where inmates are segregated, often for their own security. It's also used for celebrities who might be targeted by other inmates.

© Shutterstock

Buck fifty -

If a prisoner wounds another inmate with a weapon or during a physical fight, it's known as a "buck fifty," because it might take 150 stitches to close it up.

© Shutterstock

Two-for-three -

Prison is a place with a lot of bargaining in lieu of cash, so creativity has always been key when it comes to commerce. A "two-for-three" is an offer to hand over two of something in exchange for three of something else.

© Shutterstock

Got a body -

"Got a body" is a phrase used when a prisoner has killed another person. It tends to be used for people who are actually facing murder charges.

© Shutterstock

Kite -

"Kite" refers to a contraband note passed between incarcerated people. Usually, messages are written on a small piece of paper that’s folded and secretively passed to others.

© Shutterstock

Heat wave -

The term "heat wave" is used when attention is brought to a group of inmates by one or several prisoners doing something, such as fighting or dealing with contraband.

© Shutterstock

Road kill -

"Road kill" in prison is actually cigarette butts picked on the side of the road by prison workers and then rerolled with toilet paper to become cigarettes for inmates.

© Shutterstock

Keister -

When a prisoner has a prohibited item and no place to hide it, they might "keister" it. This means to place the item into their rear.

© Shutterstock

Porcelain termite -

If an incarcerated person gets upset and starts to destroy toilets and sinks, then they're dubbed a "porcelain termite."

© Shutterstock

Pruno -

"Pruno" refers to a moonshine made with water, fermented bread, and fruit or fruit peelings. It's usually placed in a bag and hidden.

© Shutterstock

Road dog -

People who are incarcerated together and form a tight bond of friendship are considered "road dogs." The term also applies to people who were friends outside of prison.

© Shutterstock

All day -

The term is used for those with a life sentence. So if you're in without parole, you've got an "all day." And if you're in for a year, then you're doing a "bullet."

© Shutterstock

Car -

A "car" in prison slang refers to a group of prisoners who exert heavy influence over other inmates and activities. If a person is a "fish," then they might want to be careful with some "cars."

© Shutterstock

Bean slot -

Some prisoners aren't allowed to leave their cells during meal time, and instead they get their food delivered via the "bean slot." It's an opening on the door that allows a tray to slip through.

© Shutterstock

Pumpkin -

People who wear orange correctional apparel during processing or while incarcerated are sometimes called "pumpkins." If a group of them are together, then they're called a "pumpkin patch."

© Shutterstock

Mofongo -

"Mofongo" is a prison meal that consists of a mixture of chips, ramen, instant rice, mackerel, pre-wrapped sausages, and seasoning.

Sources: (Mental Floss) (Los Angeles Times)

See also: Incredible island prisons around the world 

© Shutterstock