shock probation

shock probation
 n.— «A state district judge in Texas on Thursday revoked Taylor’s probation from a state felony drug possession charge, sentencing him to two years in jail. She then suspended the sentence for five years under a process called “shock probation,” sending Taylor to jail for five months. He will remain on probation after his release.» —“Idlette, a former Deacon, indicted on rape charge” Winston-Salem Journal (North Carolina) Feb. 16, 2008. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)

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Further reading

Gig, as in a Short-Term Job

Chris in San Antonio, Texas, a professional musician, asks where the word gig comes from. While gig is now the standard term for a musical engagement and has broadened to any short-term job, its early origins are murky. It may be related to the term...