The lexicon of incarceration, or “penitentiary jargon,” may not initially surface as an approach to enhance dialogue within your professional setting. Nonetheless, these idiomatic phrases provide a distinctive and vivid avenue to transmit information, foster unity, and incorporate a sprinkle of light-heartedness within the corporate milieu.In this article, we will explore 13 prison slang terms that you can seamlessly integrate into your office communication, all the while respecting the boundaries of professionalism.

1. Kite

In prison, a “kite” refers to a written message. In an office environment, it could be an intriguing way to talk about internal memos or emails. For instance, “I’ll send a kite about the meeting changes,” could be your new way to communicate about emails.

2. All Day

“All day” in prison lingo means a life sentence. While this might sound grim, it could be used humorously in the office to talk about long-term projects or commitments. Example: “Looks like I’ve got an ‘all day’ with this project.”

3. On the Bricks

This term means being out of prison, a form of freedom. You could use it to describe when you’re off work or when you’ve finally completed a demanding task. “I’m ‘on the bricks’ after today’s shift” can be a unique way to say you’re off duty.

4. In the Hole

“In the hole” describes being in solitary confinement in prison. In the office, you could use it to refer to working alone on a task or when you’re deeply absorbed in a task. Example: “I was ‘in the hole’ finishing up that report.”

5. Rabbit

A “rabbit” is an inmate who has a tendency to escape. In a workplace, it could describe a co-worker who leaves early or is hard to pin down for a meeting. “Looks like our ‘rabbit’ left early again today.”

6. Bug

A “bug” is a crazy or mentally unstable person in prison language. Use this term lightly and humorously to describe a chaotic situation at work. “This project is turning into a real ‘bug’.”

7. Cell Warrior

A “cell warrior” is an inmate who acts tough when they’re locked safely in their cell. This phrase can be employed to characterize a colleague who frequently boasts about their abilities, yet fails to deliver on their promises.”Don’t worry about him, he’s just a ‘cell warrior'”.

8. Diesel Therapy

“Diesel therapy” is when an unruly prisoner is moved around to different facilities. In the professional realm, this term may depict a circumstance where a duty or obligation is perpetually delegated due to the fact that no one is willing to shoulder the responsibility. “This project’s getting the ‘diesel therapy’ treatment.”

9. Doing the Dutch

“Doing the Dutch” is prison slang for suicide. In a business environment, it can be used to describe a disastrous decision or strategy. “If we go ahead with these cutbacks, we’ll be ‘doing the Dutch’.”

10. Peels

“Peels” refer to the meals served in prison. You can use this term to refer to your office lunches or meals. For example, “Let’s grab some ‘peels’ after this meeting”.

11. Catch a Ride

To “catch a ride” means to get high on drugs. In an office setting, it could be used humorously to describe having a strong coffee or an energy drink. “I’m gonna ‘catch a ride’ with this double espresso.”

12. Hard Candy

“Hard candy” refers to someone who’s tough or resilient. This can be a compliment in a work environment, referring to someone who doesn’t give up easily. “You’re ‘hard candy’, working through that challenge.”

13. Road Dog

A “road dog” is a prisoner’s closest friend. In the office, it could refer to your go-to colleague, the one who’s always got your back. “Thanks for the help, you’re a real ‘road dog’.”

Conclusion

Communication is key in any environment, and using unique expressions like prison slang terms can offer an intriguing twist to your usual office chatter. Whether it’s labeling a long-term project as an “all day,” or referring to your coffee break as “catching a ride,” these phrases can inject fun into your regular office communications. Bear in mind, the purpose of these terms is to foster comprehension and rapport among colleagues, not to instigate division or misinterpretation.So go ahead, pass around your ‘kites’ and find your ‘road dog’ at work. Who knew office talk could be this exciting?