Cracking the cellblock code: are you fluent in prison slang?

Fans of prison dramas like 'Oz,' 'Prison Break,' or 'Orange Is the New Black' are in for a treat - inmates have their own language that allows them to talk about their day-to-day life behind bars. From talking about what's going on to describing the things around them and the people they interact with, this jargon is like their secret code.

So if you've ever been curious about the ins and outs of terms like "porcelain termite" and "shank" in the slammer, dive into the gallery to get the lowdown. It's a whole different kind of vocabulary behind prison walls!

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Fish -

This nickname goes to someone who's been nabbed for a crime and is fresh behind bars. A "fish" is basically a newbie, clueless about the ins and outs of prison living and how things roll in the facility.

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Car -

In prison slang, a "car" refers to a group of prisoners who wield significant influence over other inmates and various activities. If an individual is a "fish," they might want to be cautious around certain "cars."

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Agitator -

An "agitator" is a prisoner who purposely instigates conflicts with fellow inmates and prison guards, simply for personal amusement.

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Jody -

A "Jody" is a guy who gets involved romantically with the wife or girlfriend of someone who is incarcerated. The term is thought to have originated in the military, especially when enlisted men were away.

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Ninja Turtles -

The term originates from the sight of correctional officers wearing riot gear. Some people claim that when dressed in this gear, the officers bear a resemblance to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

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Shot caller -

A "shot caller" refers to an incarcerated individual who holds authority and issues commands within the prison hierarchy.

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Programmer -

In prison slang, a "programmer" refers to an inmate who dedicates most of their time to attending classes and striving to improve themselves.

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Shank -

The term "Shank" has been used for many years to refer to different things, like the leg of a tobacco pipe or as a colloquial term for an improvised knife.

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Gassing -

When a prisoner seeks revenge against a correction officer, they might resort to "gassing," which involves throwing urine or feces at them from behind bars.

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X'd out -

When there's been drama or conflict between rival gangs in prison, inmates may order a hit on their adversaries, declaring them "X'd out." This implies that, in theory, their days are numbered.

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Prison safe -

"Prison safe" is a term used to describe the most secure spot within an inmate's cell. It's where they might hide drugs, cash, and other contraband during cell inspections.

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Hard candy -

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

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High-power -

The term is used to describe an extremely secure area of a prison where inmates are kept separate, usually for their own safety. It's also applied to celebrities who may be at risk from other inmates.

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Buck fifty -

If one prisoner injures another with a weapon or during a physical fight, it's called a "buck fifty" because it can take 150 stitches to close the wound.

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Two-for-three -

In prison, where cash isn't always king, trading is a big deal, and inmates get creative with their deals. A "two-for-three" is when someone offers to swap two of their things for three of yours. It's all about the art of the trade behind bars.

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Got a body -

The term "Got a body" is commonly used when a prisoner has committed a homicide and is often applied to individuals currently accused of murder.

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Kite -

A "kite" is a forbidden message exchanged among prisoners, typically written on a small folded piece of paper and discreetly handed over to others.

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Heat wave -

The phrase "heat wave" is employed to draw attention to a situation where one or more prisoners within a group engage in activities such as fighting or handling contraband.

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Road kill -

In prison lingo, "road kill" refers to cigarette butts gathered by inmates working on the roadside. They then reroll these butts using toilet paper to create cigarettes for themselves.

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Keister -

When a prisoner has a forbidden item and nowhere to stash it, they might "keister" it. This involves placing the item in their rear end.

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Porcelain termite -

If someone behind bars gets upset and starts wrecking toilets and sinks, they're labeled a "porcelain termite."

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Pruno -

"Pruno" is a homemade liquor created by fermenting water, bread, and either fruit or fruit peels, often concealed in a bag.

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Road dog -

People who are incarcerated together and develop a strong, close friendship are known as "road dogs." This term can also refer to people who were friends before entering prison.

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All day -

The term "all day" is used for individuals serving a life sentence without parole. So, if you're in for the long haul, that's your "all day." On the other hand, if you're serving a one-year sentence, you're doing a "bullet."

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Bean slot -

Some prisoners, for various reasons, are not allowed to leave their cells at mealtime. Instead, they receive their food through the "bean slot," an opening in the door through which a tray can be pushed.

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Pumpkin -

Individuals wearing orange correctional apparel during processing or while incarcerated are sometimes humorously referred to as "pumpkins." If a group of them is together, the collective term is a "pumpkin patch."

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Mofongo -

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