Former Convict Breaks Down Prison Slang | 136 |

Summary

This video provides an insightful look into the harsh realities of prison life, focusing on the significance of prison slang, inmate survival tactics, and the unspoken rules that govern daily life behind bars. The narrator shares personal experiences, describing how things like stamps serve as currency, how respect is maintained, and the role of convicts in the prison hierarchy. Offering a candid perspective, the video educates viewers on prison culture while highlighting the importance of self-respect, understanding the system, and making wise choices to avoid incarceration.

Takeaways

• 😀 Prison slang is deeply ingrained in the culture and is used to describe various aspects of life behind bars, including inmate behavior, prison jobs, and interactions with guards.
• 😀 A 'Cadillac job' refers to an easy or desirable prison job, typically in the kitchen where inmates could steal food or make money through illicit activities.
• 😀 'Ghetto penthouse' is the top tier of a cell block, a place where high-status inmates might try to secure a private cell away from the scrutiny of guards and others.
• 😀 HIV and hepatitis are prevalent in prison, often transmitted through drug use and shared needles, rather than sexual activity, contributing to a high rate of infection among inmates.
• 😀 The term 'heat wave' refers to a prison-wide search for contraband triggered by the actions of one or a few inmates. A 'shakedown' is the official term for this process.
• 😀 'Keistering' or 'suitcasing' is the practice of hiding contraband, including drugs or weapons, inside the body to avoid detection during searches.
• 😀 Inmates often engage in 'dry snitching' by indirectly sharing information with guards through loud conversations or written notes, leading to disciplinary actions.
• 😀 Stamps, especially books of them, serve as currency in prison, with inmates often trading or using them to buy goods and services from others.
• 😀 Inmates use terms like 'house man' or 'convict' to describe individuals who hold power and authority within the prison system due to their respect and reputation among others.
• 😀 'Diesel therapy' refers to the practice of transferring problematic inmates far from their original facility as a form of punishment, often accompanied by the loss of personal property and legal materials.
• 😀 Violence is common in prison, and terms like 'shank,' 'blade,' and 'pokers' refer to improvised weapons used by inmates to defend themselves or attack others during fights or tensions.

Q & A

What does the term 'stamps' refer to in the prison context?

In prison, 'stamps' are used as a form of currency. They can be traded for goods, food, and services, and were once valued at around 30 to 32 cents per stamp.

Why are stamps considered valuable in prison?

Stamps are valuable in prison because they serve as an unofficial currency, allowing inmates to buy items from the commissary, pay for services like laundry, and settle debts or transactions.

What does 'house man' mean in the context of county jail?

A 'house man' is an inmate who is typically in jail for an extended period, often due to awaiting trial. He is responsible for organizing and distributing food trays, assigning bunks, and maintaining order within a pod.

What is the difference between an 'inmate' and a 'convict'?

The speaker distinguishes between 'inmates' and 'convicts,' explaining that a convict is someone with a strong reputation for standing up for themselves, earning respect, and adhering to a code of conduct. In contrast, inmates may be seen as more passive or less respected.

What does the term 'convict' imply about someone's reputation in prison?

'Convict' implies that the individual has earned respect in prison by following the prison code, standing up for themselves, and not allowing disrespect, even from guards. A convict is seen as someone who gets things done and maintains integrity.

What role do 'books' (of stamps) play in prison trade?

Books of stamps are a key component of the prison economy. Inmates buy and sell stamps in bulk for a markup, using them as a form of money to acquire goods like food, services, or even influence within the prison system.

How does prison currency differ from the outside world’s currency?

In prison, currency like stamps or commissary goods holds value because it's universally accepted among inmates, unlike outside currency which is dependent on the formal economy. The value of stamps fluctuates, and they serve as a medium for all transactions.

What does the speaker mean by 'street money'?

'Street money' refers to the actual currency used in prison transactions. Inmates might exchange money for goods or services, similar to how one would make financial transactions in the outside world.

What is a 'Cadillac job' in prison?

A 'Cadillac job' refers to an easy or desirable job in prison that is often considered a privilege. These jobs are typically given to well-respected inmates or those who have established a good reputation.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of respect and reputation in prison?

Respect and reputation are central to survival in prison. The speaker stresses that inmates who mind their own business, respect others, and act like men earn the respect of their peers. This helps avoid conflict and establish a positive standing within the prison community.