gated v.— «Only in rare cases are inmates detained beyond that two-thirds point, even where parole has been denied. In theory, however, Mr. Ferrier’s criminal history could earn him a place in that category, often referred to as being...
burner n.— «The inmates talked about their crimes in a generally easy manner, some with a lingo that focused on “beefs,” or disputes, and then getting “a burner,” or gun, to settle the score.» —“A Crazed...
gronk n.— «Delaveris was immediately hooked on prison lingo—and particularly taken with one word, “gronk,” which has myriad meanings. In prison parlance, it’s a derogatory term for inmates used by prison guards. Linguists...
hang up n.— «One New Year’s Eve nine years ago, four inmates told her they were going to “hang up”—jailspeak for committing suicide by hanging.» —“Nun helps inmates beat the holiday blues” by Bill...
table jumper n.— «Bishop and the other condemned men who followed him were “table jumpers,” guard parlance for inmates who didn’t resist as they were led to the death chamber and strapped into a chair or onto the gurney that’s...
kite n.— «Fillion discounted the idea that inmate poverty might hinder medical care. He mentioned a process where inmates submit a “kite,” a chit in jail parlance, to see a doctor. “It’s a very nominal fee to be...