How Prisoners Get Their Nicknames: An Insight into the Lingo of Inmates

Prison nicknames are a fascinating aspect of inmate culture, serving as identifiers and sometimes revealing valuable information about an individual within the confines of a correctional facility. These nicknames often reflect a person's background, behavior, or even their history with the law. Let's delve into the world of prison nicknames and explore why and how they are assigned.

Why Do Prisoners Get Nicknames?

Nicknames in prison are not arbitrarily assigned. They typically serve a purpose, providing other inmates with a quick glance into a person's past, personality, or even as a form of respect. Prevalent reasons for nicknames can range from an individual's physical characteristics to their criminal background, personal habits, or even their hobbies and interests. For instance, someone with red hair might be called 'Red,' a skinny person might be referred to as 'Slim,' and someone from a specific city or state might be called by their hometown (e.g., 'Country' for someone from the countryside).

Unique Prison Nicknames

While many nicknames might seem relatively mundane, such as 'Red' or 'Slim,' others can be more intriguing and even resemble those found in classic prison movies. However, it's rare to encounter a nickname like 'Slash' or 'Animal,' which are less frequent in reality but well-known in cinematic representations. These unique nicknames serve as a quirky and often humorous aspect of prison culture, reflecting the creative and sometimes humorous nature of inmates.

Nickname Generation Process

Nicknames in prison are generally given through everyday interactions and observations. They can be based on various factors, from the person's crime, their in-house professional roles, their personal preferences, or their overall status within the prison community. For example, someone's nickname might be derived from how they talk, the way they do something, or even their real name.

Examples of Prison Nicknames

One memorable example from my personal experience comes from a fellow inmate who, at the age of 55, was known as 'Old School.' This nickname was given based on his age, demeanor, and his reputation for respecting the other inmates. Another roommate, despite being the same age, was known as 'Popeye.' His nickname recounted his tattoo of an anchor on his right forearm and his frequent use of the phrase 'Haul Ass.' His nickname was a play on the well-known sailor Popeye, suggesting a strong and reliable nature.

Another interesting example is the nickname 'Chicken Wing,' which came to me as a result of a playful interaction with another inmate who was a poker enthusiast. One night, he called me 'Chicken Wing' in a lighthearted manner, and to my surprise, it quickly became my new nickname, used by inmates, guards, and even senior staff members.

Despite the unique and often humorous nature of these nicknames, it's important to remember that they are a part of a larger culture of respect and identification within the prison community.

Ultimately, the system of prison nicknames is an integral part of inmate life, reflecting the diverse and sometimes funny aspects of prison culture while also serving as a practical tool for communication and understanding within the correctional facility.