THE PRISON-HOUSE AND LANGUAGE: MODERN ENGLISH PRISON ARGOT

Abstract

This paper explores the unique lexical features of modern English prison argot. Prison argot, the specialized slang used by inmates, encodes the cultural concepts and social relationships that structure life inside prisons. An analysis of a corpus of prison argot reveals that terms related to the prison environment, inmate activities, contraband, and social relationships predominate. Prison argot is a vivid example of how language and culture intersect in closed institutions like prisons. Understanding prison slang provides insight into the harsh realities of prison life and how inmates adapt to them.