Lingo

active /ˈæktɪv/ adj: presently a member of a gang

air out /ˈɛər ˈaʊt/ vb: to pound (a person) so mercilessly that they must be airlifted to the hospital

bad motherfucker /ˈbæd ˈmʌðɚ-fʌkər/ adi: something that shows formidable strength or skill “The case that the lieutenant wrote is a bad motherfucker. It ain’t getting pulled.”

bitch /ˈbɪtʃ/ n: a term of endearment for males “Hey, bitch, you hungry?” “Nah, I’m good.”

Black /ˈblæk/ n: a nickname reserved for the darkest among those of African American descent

boss lady /ˈbɑs ˈleɪdi/ n: a female officer

boss man /ˈbɑs ˈmæn/ n: a male officer

bump it down /ˈbʌmp ˈɪt ˈdaʊn/ vb: a command issued from one in authority for the members in a line to move to the next available space or predetermined stopping point

bumping /ˈbʌmpɪŋ/ n: trifling or empty talk “Say, fool, I ain’t trying to do all that bumping, so put your shoes on and let me look at you.”

butt naked /ˈbʌt ˈneɪkəd/ n: a nude ‘jack shot’

catch out /ˈkætʃ ˈaʊt/ vb: to complete the process of extraditing one’s self from a cell, dorm, or building out of fear “He is going to catch out because he owes money, and they are going to air him out.”

catch-out /ˈkætʃ-ˈaʊt/ n: one who removes himself from a cell, dorm, or building out of fear

catch pussy /ˈkætʃ ˈpʊsi/ vb: to refrain from fighting or engaging in an illegal activity due to fear although fear was not expressed beforehand “That dude caught pussy about smoking tune when he found out that the warden was in the building.”

cellie /ˈsɛɫi/ n: 1 one of two persons sharing a cell; 2 one of two or more persons living in adjacent cubicles

chain /ˈtʃeɪn/ n: usually preceded by “on” or “catch”, the process in which an inmate is going from one unit to another

chava /ˈtʃɑvɑ/ n: a usually weak person who serves as another’s slave because said person is unable to defend himself or afford protection “He didn’t pay, and he didn’t fight, so his chava ass is going to wash my clothes until he catches out.”

Chino /ˈtʃinoʊ/ n: a nickname bestowed upon those with predominantly Asian features

crash dummy /ˈkɹæʃ ˈdʌmi/ n: one who engages (with reckless abandon) in activities that will end in one’s own pain and suffering

crash out /ˈkɹæʃ ˈaʊt/ vb: to engage in an activity that will end in major negative consequences “Homeboy crashed out when he took off on boss man.”

D up /ˈdi ˈʌp/ vb: 1 to discipline a person with a beating; 2 to beat a person handily in a manner other than a bodily beating “I will D you up in chess.”

dead /ˈdɛd/ adi: the quality of not going to happen “Give you my new shoes? Ha! That’s dead.”

dry /ˈdɹaɪ/ adj: not yielding what is expected or desired “I dry got to go to work on my day off.”

ejecto seato /ˈɛdʒɪktoʊ ˈsitoʊ/ intj: 1 a phrase used to announce to a person that they are in your spot and you would like it back; 2 when someone is unwillingly relocated “He was ejecto seato’d to another cell.”

fade /ˈfeɪd/ vb: to ignore the effects of “That man got dashed with boiling hot water and didn’t even blink. He faded all that.”

fall out /ˈfɑɫ ˈaʊt/ vb: to go into an area in which one is not allowed i.e. out of place “When boss man isn’t looking, I’ll go to commissary.”

freestyle /ˈfɹi-ˈstaɪəɫ/ vb: to make up for the sake of deception “He freestyled that story about them bringing conjugal visits back.”

Freeworld /ˈfɹi-ˈwɝɫd/ n: 1 the final beatitude that transcends suffering, cases, and the dreaded chow hall meatball; 2 a place or state of oblivion to care, pain, or external reality; 3 a goal hoped for but apparently unattainable; 4 one who is not yet penitentiary

freeworld /ˈfɹi-ˈwɝɫd/ n: to reminisce about life before the penitentiary

Friday /ˈfɹaɪˌdeɪ/ n: the last day on one’s shift that might not necessarily be on a Friday

fuck around /‘fʌk ɚˈɹaʊnd/ vb: to engage in activity to promote business “I need you to give me a tattoo this weekend. You trying to fuck around?”

fucked up /ˈfʌkt ˈʌp/ adj: the state or quality of extreme distress “He was feeling fucked up when his baby mama didn’t visit.”

game /ˈɡeɪm/ n: a trait, quality, or skill that one is known for “I was a chef in the world, so my spread game is live.”

gas /ˈɡæs/ 1 adi: exceptional to a very marked degree; 2 intj: used to express great approval; 3 n: something that is potent or strong “I need a stiff shot of coffee. Shoot that gas.”

gave that ass up /ˈɡeɪv ˈðæt æs ˈʌp/ vb: to put one’s self in a position that results in the loss of something valuable “He left his new shoes in the dayroom, and someone took them. He gave that ass up.”

get down /ˈɡɛt ˈdaʊn/ vb: to take money or property by fraud or deceit “I could get down on the new guy by selling him a soup for 90¢ instead of 30¢.”

get-down /ˈɡɛtˈdaʊn/ n: the act or process of swindling or cheating someone

got something /ˈɡɑt ˈsʌmˌθɪŋ/ adv: a phrase noting a person’s exceptional skill in an area “He’s been playing handball for years; he really got something, no one can beat him.”

green /ˈɡɹin/ adj: an officer or a shift that will not frown upon or is generally unaware of rule breaking

hard timing /ˈhɑrd ˈtaɪmɪŋ/ vb: to spend one’s time in incarceration in a way that makes the days seem longer “Putting tally marks on the wall until parole is a classic example of hard timing.”

heart check /ˈhɑrt ˈtʃɛk/ n: a ritual in which a new dorm member must fight multiple persons or be ejecto seato’d to determine if he would fight for a certain group in the event of a riot

hit dice /ˈhɪt ˈdaɪs/ 1 intj: used when a desired goal is attained “Baby mama sent me some money. Hit dice!”; 2 vb: to achieve a desired goal, usually through luck

ho check /ˈhəʊ ˈtʃɛk/ 1 n: a litmus test to determine whether someone is indeed a ho; 2 vb: to test whether someone is indeed a ho

hog /ˈhɑɡ/ vb: to steal something using force

hold jiggers /ˈhoʊɫd ˈdʒɪɡɚz/ vb: to be a lookout for

homeboy/hometown /ˈhoʊm-ˈbɔɪ/ˈhoʊm-ˈtaʊn/ n: 1 a man from one’s neighborhood or region; 2 a member of one’s gang

I know it /ˈaɪ ˈnoʊ ˈɪt/ intj: used to express a notion of “I told you so” “Damn, homeboy, this coffee is live!” “Bitch, I know it.”

ice water /ˈaɪs ˈwɑtɚ/ adj: exceptionally skilled “Batman is ice water at fighting crime.”

jack /ˈdʒæk/ vb: erotic stimulation, especially of one’s own genital organ, commonly resulting in orgasm achieved by manual contact

jack case /ˈdʒæk ˈkeɪs/ n: a written reprimand on an inmate because of exposure or outright jacking

jack shot /ˈdʒæk ˈʃɑt/ n: a picture depicting erotic behavior (usually involving some worn clothing) intended to entice jacking

jag /ˈdʒæg/ n: a portable cordless instrument for sending and receiving sounds in a cellular system

jam up /ˈdʒæm ˈʌp/ vb: to cause anxiety or worry by getting into trouble

jigger /ˈdʒɪɡɚ/ n: a device (usually a mirror) used to watch out for the arrival and prevent the interference of uninvolved parties

keister /ˈkistɑr/ vb: to import or export secretly and contrary to the law via the rectum

kill shot /ˈkɪɫ ˈʃɑt/ n: a butt naked

kite /ˈkaɪt/ n: a short informational text, usually sent via a messenger

kite out /ˈkaɪt ˈaʊt/ vb: to remove a person or a group of people from a dorm by banding together to singly write a complaint or a litany of complaints to a person in authority

knock down /ˈnɑk ˈdaʊn/ vb: 1 the act or process of engaging in sexual intercourse; 2 to cut one’s hair shorter

knockdown /ˈnɑkˈdaʊn/ n: a haircut that uses the lowest guard on the clippers

lace up /ˈleɪs ˈʌp/ 1 vb: to inform or educate someone on a process; 2 n: information of immediate interest; 3 vb: to tighten one’s shoelaces in preparation for a fight

line up /ˈlaɪn ˈʌp/ vb: to closely inspect a group by fighting them in order to judge a condition or address a problem

live /ˈlaɪv/ adj: giving pleasure or contentment to the mind or senses “That song was live.”

look at /ˈlʊk ˈæt/ vb: to test one’s mettle, especially in a fight, because of a perceived disrespect or a disagreement “Let me look at in chess.”

look out /ˈlʊk ˈaʊt/ intj: an expression used to call one’s attention but not necessarily to warn of danger “Look out, boss man. What time is it?”

max out /ˈmæks ˈaʊt/ vb: 1 to completely and brutally strike someone repeatedly; 2 to give someone the worst outcome in a situation. “He got a case, and they maxed him out by taking away phone, commissary, and visit privileges.”

new boot /ˈnuˈbut/ n: one who is inexperienced or untrained at a job

old /ˈoʊɫd/ adj: anyone over the age of 30

or what? /ˈɔr ˈwɑt/ conjunctional adv: an expression used at the end of a yes or no question to guarantee a response “You going to eat that, or what?”

overstood /ˈoʊvɚˈstʊd/ adj: 1 having or showing the capacity for sharing the feelings of another; 2 having knowledge gained from the process of coming to know or completely understand something “It’s already overstood that we watch the news at this time on Sundays.”

pack /ˈpæk/ n: an illegal substance or some contraband that is to be smuggled

Paisa /ˈpeɪˈsɑ/ n: 1 a Hispanic gang; 2 a term used to address someone with predominantly Spanish features

penitentiary /ˌpɛnɪˈtɛnˈtɹi/ adj: the state of exhibiting qualities commonly associated with being institutionalized “If you take your jack shots home, you are probably penitentiary.”

platinum /ˈplætˌnʌm/ adj: a case that is in essence or is written to be a bad motherfucker (i.e. one that cannot be pulled and will come with the maximum consequences)

politick /ˈpɑləˌtɪk/ vb: to engage in gang discussion or enforcement of gang rules

politics /ˈpɑləˌtɪks/ n: (single or plural) 1 the act or science of gangs, of guiding or influencing gang policy; 2 gang affairs or business, especially competition between gangs or individuals for power and leadership

pop /ˈpɑp/ vb: to catch someone in the act of doing something wrong, illegal, or immoral “He got popped gambling.”

pop off /ˈpɑp ˈɑf/ vb: to incite a riot

pork /ˈpɔrk/ n: the flesh of swine dressed for use as food that people in the penitentiary no longer eat all of the sudden

pretty /ˈpɹɪti/ n: a concoction of sweets and coffee to make the closest thing to Starbucks

punk /ˈpʌŋk/ n: (usually offensive) someone who engages in homosexual activity

pull /ˈpʊɫ/ 1 n: the power to direct the thinking or behavior of others, usually those in authority; 2 vb: to remove a case from the record

put that on [something] /ˈpʊt ˈðæt ˈɑn [ˈsʌmˌθɪŋ]/ vb: to make a solid declaration under oath for the purpose of establishing a fact “Say you didn’t steal my radio and I’ll believe you.” “Okay, I put that on my mama.”

red /ˈɹɛd/ adj: 1 an officer or shift that is itching to write a case for the smallest infraction or imaginary rule breaking, and will never listen to a valid excuse; 2 an officer who is dangerous because of wishy-washy behavior or unpredictability

ride /ˈɹaɪd/ vb: 1 to engage in extended conversation with someone; 2 to join forces with someone; 3 to go somewhere with someone “Ride with me to the chow hall.”

school /ˈskuɫ/ n: someone who is considered or looks old

scrap /ˈskræp/ adj: something marked by obvious lack of style, skill, or appeal

set off /ˈsɛt ˈɑf/ 1 n: a legitimate reason to throw caution to the wind and crash out and fade everything; 2 vb: to delay the gratification of parole for at least another year

shake back /ˈʃeɪk ˈbæk/ vb: to regain normal health, poise, or status

shoot /ˈʃut/ vb: to put something into the possession or safekeeping of another “Shoot me some cookies until store day.”

shower shark /ˈʃaʊɚ ˈʃɑrk/ n: a person who patrols the showers using clever albeit obvious means to admire someone else who is showering

sick /ˈsɪk/ adj: a nauseated state and look from misfortune

slide back /ˈslaɪd ˈbæk/ vb: to withdraw from a gang or commitment

smash out /ˈsmæʃ ˈaʊt/ vb: to remove someone from a dorm or organization with a swift, brutal and often excessive beating

smoke /ˈsmoʊk/ vb: 1 pop; 2 to make a mistake and lose an advantage

snitch /ˈsnɪtʃ/ acronym: 1 Sorry Nigga, I’m Tryna Come Home; 2 Sharing New Information That Can Help

solo /ˈsoʊˈloʊ/ n: one who is not devoted to a gang or similar organization

SOS /ˈɛˌs-o-ˈɛˌs/ acronym: Smash On Sight/Site, used to indicate that a person is to be smashed out no matter where he is

speaker /ˈspikɚ/ n: the representative of an organization, usually the person with the most clout and influence, charged with directing the internal affairs and admitting or excommunicating members

spread /ˈspɹɛd/ n: a combination of different and varying ingredients into one larger meal capable of feeding multiple persons

square business /ˈskwɛr ˈbɪznəs/ adj: without nonsense “Don’t mess with the new warden, he’s square business.”

stiff /ˈstɪf/ adj: formidable or tough

stomp down /ˈstɑmp ˈdaʊn/ adj: the quality of being willing to fight for one’s beliefs, consequences be damned

store day /ˈstɔr ˈdeɪ/ n: 1 the fabled day in which debts are repaid and spreads are made in celebration; 2 the day a dorm goes to commissary

take off /ˈteɪk ˈɑf/ vb: to attack someone without warning, thus fully utilizing the element of surprise

throwed off /ˈθɹoʊd ˈɑf/ adj: sub-average intellectual ability, characterized by problems in learning and social adjustment

tune /ˈtun/ n: a drug with the ability to make someone lose all his motor skills, gain impossible abilities, read minds, or see into the future (also known as K2)

two for one /ˈtu ˈfɔr ˈwʌn/ n: a business exchange in which one receives a product in exchange for two at a later date

undercover /ˈʌndɚ-ˈkʌvɚ/ n: a person who secretly engages in homosexual activity

walk /ˈwɑk/ vb: the ability to be able to go into a dorm and not be threatened based on discriminatory factors “If you’re stiff, you can walk anywhere on the unit.”

wearing gray /ˈwɛrɪŋ ˈɡɹeɪ/ adj: a phrase describing officers to incite an “us vs. them” mentality

wearing white /ˈwɛrɪŋ ˈwaɪt/ adj: a phrase denoting brotherhood and camaraderie in inmates

wiso /ˈwisoʊ/ n: (usually offensive) a homosexual man, or a man with feminine traits and features

world /ˈwɝɫd/ n: the nostalgic place before incarceration

wreck /ˈɹɛk/ n: an incident, such as a fight or case, that results in trouble that could have been easily avoided