Understanding Prison Slang UK

Prison slang UK, a vibrant and evolving language, is an integral part of the prison culture. Knowing these terms not only aids in understanding inmate communication but also provides insight into the daily lives and social dynamics within prisons. This guide will explore common prison slang UK terms, their meanings, and their usage.

Prison Slang UK

Common Terms in Prison Slang UK

Banged Up
Banged up means to be sent to prison or confined in a cell. Inmates often use this term to describe their status of being incarcerated.

Nonce
Nonce is a derogatory term for a sex offender, especially those convicted of crimes against children. The term is used to segregate and ostracize these inmates within the prison population.

Screw
A screw refers to a prison officer. The origin of this term dates back to Victorian times, relating to the turning of a screw as a form of punishment or control.

Chokey
Chokey refers specifically to a Category A prison, which houses the most dangerous offenders. It highlights the severity and security level of such facilities.

Common UK Prison Slang Terms and Their Meanings: Full List

  • Co-D: Short for Co-Defendant, often someone tried alongside you for the same crime.

  • Chokey: Refers specifically to a Category A prison, which houses the most dangerous offenders.

  • Bacon/Bacon Bonce: A derogatory term for a sex offender, often referred to as a “Nonce.”

  • Block/Box: Slang for solitary confinement, a punitive measure within prison.

  • Lifer: An inmate serving a life sentence.

  • Mash: A term for a mobile phone within prison walls.

  • My G: A friendly term used between close friends or allies in prison.

  • Nick: Another word for prison.

  • Nerk/nirk: A term for a stupid or unpleasant person, often another inmate.

  • Nicker: Refers to the prison chaplain.

  • Nonce: An inmate imprisoned for offences against children. The origin of the term is disputed.

  • Pompey: Northern England slang for prison, possibly originating from the notorious prison ship HMS Pompee.

  • Porridge: A term for serving a prison sentence, popularised by the BBC series of the same name. ‘Stir’ is a derivative term.

  • Screw: A term for a prison officer, possibly originating from Victorian punishment methods or the pattern of walking in a prison.

  • Slop out: The time allocated for cleaning out human waste from cells.

  • Snout/burner: Refers to cigarettes or tobacco, often used as currency within prison.

  • Squealer, Rat, Grass: Terms for an informant within the prison.

  • Stir: Another term for serving a prison sentence.

  • Shank: An improvised weapon used for stabbing.

  • Wagwan: A greeting, essentially asking, “What’s going on?”

Solitary Confinement Terms

The Block/The Box
Both terms refer to solitary confinement, where inmates are isolated from the general prison population as a form of punishment or for their protection.

Pad Spin
A pad spin is a search of an inmate’s cell, often conducted to find contraband or ensure compliance with prison rules.

Daily Life in Prison

Doing Bird
Doing bird means serving a prison sentence. This term comes from old rhyming slang where time became bird lime, and it has been shortened to bird.

Nosh or Chow
These terms are used for food, with nosh being more common in the UK and chow being borrowed from American slang.

Prison Slang UK

Inmate Roles and Relationships

Celly/Pad Mate
Celly or pad mate refers to an inmate who shares a cell with another. This term emphasizes the close living conditions and the relationships formed in prison.

Grass
Grass is a term for an informant or snitch. Inmates who cooperate with prison authorities or betray fellow prisoners are often labeled as such.

Weapons and Violence

Shank
A shank is an improvised stabbing weapon, typically crafted from everyday items. It signifies the danger and violence that can occur within prison walls.

Chin Check
A chin check is a swift punch to the jaw, used to put an inmate in their place or assert dominance within the prison hierarchy.

Drugs and Contraband

Burn
Burn refers to tobacco, which is a valuable commodity in prison. It is often used as currency among inmates.

Papers
Papers are slang for drugs like cocaine, heroin, or meth. The term underscores the ongoing issue of drug use and trafficking within prisons.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the meaning of “Nonce” in prison slang UK?
    Nonce is a derogatory term used for sex offenders, particularly those convicted of crimes against children.

  2. How is solitary confinement referred to in prison slang UK?
    Solitary confinement is often called “The Block” or “The Box” in prison slang UK.

  3. What does “Banged Up” mean in prison slang UK?
    Banged up means to be sent to prison or confined in a cell.

  4. Why is a prison officer called a “Screw”?
    The term screw dates back to Victorian times, relating to the turning of a screw as a form of punishment or control.

  5. What does “Doing Bird” mean in prison slang UK?
    Doing bird means serving a prison sentence.

  6. What are common terms for food in prison slang UK?
    Common terms for food include nosh and chow.

  7. Who is a “Celly” or “Pad Mate”?
    A celly or pad mate is an inmate who shares a cell with another.

  8. What is a “Shank” in prison slang UK?
    A shank is an improvised stabbing weapon, crafted from everyday items.

  9. What does “Burn” refer to in prison slang UK?
    Burn refers to tobacco, which is used as currency in prisons.

  10. What are “Papers” in prison slang UK?
    Papers are slang for drugs like cocaine, heroin, or meth.

Summary and Conclusion

Prison slang UK is a complex and evolving language that reflects the unique environment of the prison system. Understanding these terms can provide valuable insights into the lives of inmates and the dynamics within the prison. Whether you are working in the criminal justice system, studying criminology, or simply curious, familiarizing yourself with this slang can deepen your understanding of prison culture. Read our other pages such as Dartmoor Prison

Prison Guide Logo

Login To Your Account

Quick Links

Login To Account
Login To Account
Cheaper Prison Calls
Cheaper Prison Calls