| term | Description |
|---|---|
| cell | |
| behind bars | |
| warden | |
| shiv | A sharp weapon made out of an ordinary object such as a toothbrush |
| solitary confinement | |
| juvie | Slang for juvenile detention |
| slammer | Slang for jail |
| big house | Slang for jail |
| crowbar hotel | Slang for jail |
| clink | Slang for jail |
| pen | Slang for jail |
| penitentiary | |
| tattoo | |
| guard | |
| escape | |
| breakout | |
| riot | |
| life sentence | |
| out on good behavior | |
| parole | |
| parole officer | |
| probation | |
| probation officer | |
| out on parole | |
| cell block | |
| corrections facility | |
| police custody | |
| felon | |
| rehabilitation | |
| release | |
| watchtower | |
| repeat offender | |
| prisoner | |
| gangs | |
| snitch | A prisoner who works as an informant |
| convict | |
| cellmate | |
| inmates | |
| incarceration | |
| lock down | |
| overcrowding | |
| prison currency | Often cigarettes and specialty food items |
| serving time | |
| prison yard | |
| the nick | UK slang for prison |
| do time | |
| reform | |
| lockup | |
| solitary |