Prison Slang & Culture: The Unwritten Rules of Life Behind Bars

Published on February 12, 2025, by InmateAid

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• The Language of Incarceration: Common Prison Slang
• Unwritten Rules: The Code of Conduct Behind Bars
• Gang Influence and Social Hierarchy
• The Economy Behind Bars: Commissary, Trades, and Hustles
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Introduction

Prison is a world of its own, with a unique language, unwritten rules, and a structured hierarchy that outsiders may find difficult to comprehend. For those who are incarcerated, understanding these norms is essential for survival, maintaining respect, and avoiding conflict. From prison slang to cultural expectations, this article explores the intricacies of inmate communication and daily life inside correctional facilities.

The Language of Incarceration: Common Prison Slang

Every prison has its own variations of slang, but some terms are widely recognized across facilities. Inmates use this language to communicate efficiently, form bonds, and, in some cases, discreetly pass messages without staff understanding.

• Fish – A new inmate, typically inexperienced and unfamiliar with prison culture. Being labeled a "fish" often means the individual is vulnerable and may be tested by other inmates.

• The Hole – Solitary confinement, officially referred to as disciplinary segregation. Inmates who violate facility rules or pose a security threat are placed here, sometimes for weeks or months at a time.

• Shank – A homemade knife or sharp weapon used for protection or assault. Inmates craft shanks from materials like metal, plastic, or even hardened paper.

• Kite – A written note passed between inmates, often containing sensitive information. Kites are frequently used to send messages between different housing units or communicate orders.

• Snitch – An inmate who informs on others, which is considered one of the worst offenses inside. Those labeled as snitches often face severe consequences, including social isolation or physical retaliation.

• Green Light – An order to attack or harm another inmate. This term is often associated with gang activity and organized inmate violence.

• Roll Up – A term used when an inmate is ordered to pack up their belongings, usually for a transfer, disciplinary relocation, or release.

• The Yard – The outdoor recreation area where inmates socialize, exercise, and conduct business. The yard can be a volatile place, as tensions between rival groups often escalate here.

• Pruno – Homemade alcohol fermented using fruit, sugar, and other available ingredients. Despite efforts to control its production, pruno is common in many facilities and carries a high risk of disciplinary action if discovered.

• Shot Caller – A high-ranking inmate who makes decisions on behalf of a gang or group. Shot callers control various aspects of prison life, from issuing orders to overseeing illicit activities.

​Understanding prison slang is not only important for communication but also for navigating the social structure that defines life inside. A misstep in using the wrong terminology or misunderstanding inmate code can lead to serious consequences.

Unwritten Rules: The Code of Conduct Behind Bars

Prison life is governed by strict, often unspoken rules that dictate how inmates interact, who they associate with, and how they conduct themselves. Violating these rules can lead to serious consequences, including violence or social isolation.

1. Respect is Everything – Disrespect, whether intentional or not, can quickly escalate into confrontation. Inmates are expected to acknowledge each other's space, avoid unnecessary eye contact, and address others appropriately.

2. Stay in Your Lane – Inmates are expected to mind their own business. Asking too many questions, staring too long, or involving oneself in conflicts that do not concern them can be seen as disrespectful.

3. Debts Must Be Paid – Commissary trades, gambling, and favors come with strict repayment expectations. Failure to settle debts can lead to violent retaliation or being placed in a dangerous situation by other inmates.

4. Racial Segregation is Common – While not an official policy, many prisons see inmates self-segregate by race. This practice extends to everything from where they sit in the cafeteria to who they associate with in the yard.

5. Don’t Snitch – Telling on another inmate to staff is one of the worst violations of the inmate code and can lead to severe punishment, including physical attacks or exclusion from inmate-run support networks.

6. Personal Space is Sacred – In a confined environment, maintaining personal space and respecting others’ belongings is critical. Even seemingly small infractions, like touching another inmate’s bed without permission, can provoke conflict.

7. Fighting is a Means of Settling Disputes – In many cases, issues between inmates are resolved through physical altercations rather than involving staff. Backing down from a challenge can be perceived as a weakness and invite further aggression.

Gang Influence and Social Hierarchy

Many prisons operate under the influence of inmate-led groups, ranging from loosely organized alliances to well-structured prison gangs. These groups establish their own rules, offer protection, and sometimes engage in illicit activities. While not every inmate is affiliated, gang politics often shape daily interactions and can dictate an inmate’s level of safety.

Gangs often control access to contraband, dictate which inmates can associate with each other, and establish rules for conduct. Shot callers, the top-ranking members of these groups, hold significant power over the actions of affiliated inmates. Non-affiliated inmates must navigate prison politics carefully, ensuring they do not unintentionally violate unwritten codes enforced by these groups.

The Economy Behind Bars: Commissary, Trades, and Hustles

With limited access to resources, inmates develop their underground economy, where commissary goods become a form of currency. Items such as ramen noodles, instant coffee, and stamps are frequently traded for favors, services, or protection. Some inmates develop “hustles,” offering services like tattooing, haircutting, or artwork in exchange for commissary items. This informal economy helps inmates survive and maintain social standing.

The value of commissary items fluctuates based on availability. During lockdowns or facility-wide shortages, even basic items like soap or instant soup packets can become high-value commodities. Gambling, such as card games or sports betting, is another element of the inmate economy, with winnings often paid in commissary goods.

FAQs

1. What is the most common prison slang term?

   • One of the most widely used terms is "Fish," referring to a new inmate unfamiliar with prison culture.

2. Why is slang important in prison?

   • Slang serves as a coded language that helps inmates communicate efficiently and discreetly without staff interference.

3. How do inmates learn prison rules?

   • Most learn through observation, guidance from seasoned inmates, and by avoiding mistakes that could lead to conflict.

4. Is racial segregation enforced by prisons?

   • Officially, no, but many inmates self-segregate by race as part of an unwritten code that dictates associations and protection.

5. What happens if an inmate doesn’t pay a debt?

   • Failure to repay a debt can result in physical retaliation, social isolation, or additional consequences determined by inmate groups.

6. Do all inmates have to follow the same rules?

   • While some rules apply universally, different prison gangs and groups enforce their own codes of conduct.

7. What is the role of a shot caller?

   • A shot caller is a high-ranking inmate who makes decisions and gives orders for their affiliated group.

8. Can an inmate survive without joining a gang?

   • Yes, but it requires careful navigation of the prison hierarchy, maintaining respect, and avoiding unnecessary conflicts.

9. Why do inmates use commissary items as currency?

   • With limited access to money, inmates use goods like ramen noodles and instant coffee as an informal barter system.

10. What is "The Hole" and why do inmates fear it?

• "The Hole" is solitary confinement, a form of punishment that isolates inmates, often leading to severe psychological stress.

Conclusion

Prison culture is deeply ingrained, with its own language, rules, and expectations that shape daily life. Understanding these unspoken codes is crucial for navigating the system, avoiding conflict, and maintaining one’s safety behind bars. Whether it’s learning the slang, respecting inmate hierarchies, or navigating the underground economy, these elements play a vital role in shaping the unique world within prison walls