hit the deuces v. phr. in a penitentiary or prison, to summon help. Etymological Note: This appears to derive from the radio code “222” used by prison guards to call for assistance. The term may be specific to Federal prisons. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
Understanding the varieties of conversational styles can mean the difference between feeling you’re understood and being insulted. “High-involvement” speakers interrupt or talk along with someone else to signal their enthusiasm...
In the 15th century, the word respair meant “to have hope again.” Although this word fell out of use, it’s among dozens collected in a new book of soothing vocabulary for troubled times. Plus, baseball slang: If a batter...