Cellie
A person who shares your cell; also written “celly.”
HAB-written example:
My cellie lent me a book.
Context: Source-documented usage; not a claim that everyone uses it this way.
Know another meaning? Add it →The words people use inside
Prison Lingo
A community dictionary for the slang, shorthand, and everyday expressions used in prison. One term may have more than one meaning. Add the context you know without naming private individuals.
Chow hall
The place where meals are served.
HAB-written example:
We talked on the way to the chow hall.
Context: Source-documented usage; not a claim that everyone uses it this way.
Know another meaning? Add it →House
A person’s assigned cell or dorm space.
HAB-written example:
I am heading back to my house.
Context: Source-documented usage; not a claim that everyone uses it this way.
Know another meaning? Add it →Kite
A written message or note. Its purpose and whether it is permitted depend on the setting.
HAB-written example:
I wrote a kite with my question.
Context: Source-documented usage; not a claim that everyone uses it this way.
Know another meaning? Add it →Main line
Often refers to the general prison population; in some places it describes movement to a meal.
HAB-written example:
He said he was back on the main line.
Context: Source-documented usage; not a claim that everyone uses it this way.
Know another meaning? Add it →Rack
A word for an assigned bed or bunk.
HAB-written example:
I left the book on my rack.
Context: Source-documented usage; not a claim that everyone uses it this way.
Know another meaning? Add it →