PRISON SLANG Meaning and
Definition
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Prison slang refers to a specialized collection of vocabulary and language expressions primarily used within the context of correctional facilities, typically by inmates. This dialect evolves within prison walls and serves as a means of communication among prisoners, enabling them to convey ideas covertly or communicate information without the guards or prison staff understanding the conversation. Prison slang can encompass a wide range of terms, phrases, or even nonverbal symbols that hold specific meaning within the incarcerated community.
The unique lexicon of prison slang often borrows from a variety of sources, including criminal jargon, street language, and regional dialects. It serves to create a sense of identity and belonging among inmates while also providing a form of code or secret language to hide conversations from authorities. For instance, terms such as "cellie" refer to a cellmate, while "lockdown" alludes to a state of restricted movement within the prison.
While some prison slang terms may be specific to certain facilities or regions, others have become more widely understood across the penal system. This shared language allows inmates to communicate effectively across different institutions, regardless of their background or origin. Additionally, prison slang can also serve as a means of power or control, with individuals who possess knowledge of the language hierarchy enjoying a higher status within the inmate community.
Overall, prison slang represents a subculture within the prison system, enabling inmates to communicate and express themselves distinctively within an environment where their freedoms and privacy are limited.
Common Misspellings for PRISON SLANG
- orison slang
- lrison slang
- 0rison slang
- peison slang
- pdison slang
- pfison slang
- ptison slang
- p5ison slang
- p4ison slang
- pruson slang
- prjson slang
- prkson slang
- proson slang
- pr9son slang
- pr8son slang
- priaon slang
- prizon slang
- prixon slang
- pridon slang
- prieon slang
Etymology of PRISON SLANG
The etymology of the word "prison slang" can be traced back to the origins of its constituent parts:
1. Prison: The word "prison" comes from the Old French term "prisoun", which was derived from the Latin word "prehensio", meaning "a seizing or taking". It then evolved through various Middle English forms to become "prison" in the 14th century.
2. Slang: The term "slang" has a more elusive etymology. Its origins are uncertain, but there are several theories about its derivation. One theory suggests that "slang" comes from the Norwegian word "slengenamn", meaning "nickname", which was brought to England by Scandinavian sailors. Another theory suggests it may have come from the Scottish Gaelic word "slang", meaning "to swallow quickly".
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