Jail Jargon Glossary ENG -SPA

Birthmarks: An unusual and typically permanent brown or red mark on someone's body from birth.

marcas o manchas de nacimiento

De-Seg: Disciplinary Segregation: Jail terminology: In isolation, segregated from others.

Aislado, en aislamiento

Doing the Dutch/ the "Dutch Act": Inmate talk: To commit suicide.

(Recluso que planea) suicidarse

I.K. : Inmate Kitchen: Kitchen facility area in which some inmates can work.

Cocina para reclusos/presos

Mess hall: A room or building where groups of people, especially inmates or soldiers, eat together.

comedor (de reclusos)

Shackles: Something that confines a person preventing free action as if by fetters —usually used in plural. Usually U-shaped fastening device secured by a bolt or pin through holes in the end of the two arms.

grilletes (Inmate talk)

Sick bay: A room or building set aside for the treatment or accommodation of the sick, especially within a jail, military base or on board a ship.

enfermería (Inmate talk)

STD: Sexually transmitted diseases generally transmitted by sexual contact.

ETS, enfermedades transmitidas sexualmente, enfermedades venéreas

The Monster/ The Ninja: Refers to having HIV in a correctional facility.

(Recluso) con SIDA

Cellie: Cellmate or the person an inmate shares a cell with.

Compañero de celda

The Hole/ SHU (Special Housing Unit or Security Housing Unit): Solitary confinement or a punishment cell where inmates are isolated for disciplinary reasons.

El hueco/ El hoyo/ El agujero/ Celda de confinamiento solitario

Chow: Refers to any meal (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) served in jail.

Comida

Fish: A new inmate, especially one who is inexperienced with jail life.

Novato

Keistering: Hiding contraband inside the body, usually in the rectum.

Esconder en el recto

Kite: A secret or covert message sent between inmates.

Nota clandestina

Lockdown: A period when inmates are confined to their cells due to an emergency or as a routine control measure.

Confinamiento

Yard time: Designated time periods when inmates are allowed outside in the prison yard.

Tiempo en el patio

Commissary: A store within the jail where inmates can purchase food, hygiene products, and other items using their own money.

Comisaría

C.O. (Correctional Officer): Jail or prison staff member responsible for supervising inmates.

oficial de correcciones/ oficial correccional

Shank/ Shiv: A homemade knife or stabbing tool made by inmates.

Arma blanca casera

Snitch: An inmate who informs on others to jail officials.

Soplón/ delator

The Pound: Solitary confinement or a special housing unit where inmates are isolated from the general population as a form of punishment or for their own protection.

Confinamiento solitario

Ad Seg (Administrative Segregation): A form of incarceration where an inmate is isolated from the general prison population. This practice is implemented for various reasons, including maintaining safety, security, and order within the facility.

Confinamiento solitario

Greenlight: Approval or an unofficial go-ahead from a gang or group to attack or harm an inmate.

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