What is a bubble in jail?

Asked by: Hector Walter I  |  Last update: February 14, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (64 votes)

In jail slang, a "bubble" often refers to a holding area or isolation cell for new arrivals, a temporary space with a Plexiglas wall that feels like a fishbowl where inmates are kept separate from the general population for processing, awaiting trial, or sentencing, often with limited time out. It can also describe a specific type of isolated cell, like an officer's control room (the "bubble") from which others are observed, or even a slang term for illicit drugs in some contexts.

What is the bubble in jail?

It is called “the bubble” because one wall of this area is made of Plexiglas. It is like living in a fishbowl: you can see others in the general population day space—where there are tables and chairs not bolted to the floor or wall, a TV, and an officer's station—but can't talk or communicate with anyone.

What is a bubble in street slang?

no clear substitute for mephedrone had emerged; instead, there was uncertainty, confusion and a. degree of disinterest. In this vacuum, ''Bubble'' has emerged and evolved as a generic term in the north. west of England to refer to any unidentified white powders which are synthetic stimulants.

What are some slang terms for jail?

Common slang terms for jail include the slammer, the clink, the pokey, the joint, the cooler, the big house, the hoosegow, the jug, and the lockup, with other creative variations like "the can," "the hole," "the bin," or even "the county B&B" (Bed & Breakfast) for local jails, reflecting terms like "the stir" or "doing time" for the experience. 

How do you say hello in jail?

The typical greeting goes something like this: You will knock on the cell door, see someone pick up their head, and then enter. After greeting them, for example, “My name's Chris. They told me to bunk in here,” ask what bunk is yours.

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18 related questions found

How much is $20 worth in jail?

With $20 per month, the prisoner could at least purchase soap, quality toothpaste (and a quality toothbrush), and batteries for their radio. Even a single check for $15 could allow a prisoner to purchase a few comforts which would traditionally be outside of their reach.

What is the 72 hour rule in jail?

The "72-hour rule" in jail generally means law enforcement must bring an arrested person before a judge or file formal charges within 72 hours (excluding weekends/holidays) of arrest, or the person must be released, though this is a guideline, and delays (especially for lab results) can occur. This initial appearance, called a preliminary hearing or arraignment, determines bail and appoints counsel, influencing the case's early direction.
 

What does "j cat" mean in jail?

J-Cat. A disruptive inmate who causes disorder through highly irregular behavior in a jail module or prison yard, typically associated with those with drug or mental health issues.

What is a bug in jail?

BUG: A prison staff member considered untrustworthy or unreliable. 4. BUG JUICE: Intoxicants or depressant drugs. 5. CHIN CHECK: To punch another inmate in the jaw to see if he'll fight back.

What is the slang for cigarettes in jail?

Square has been slang for cigarettes since at least the 1960s. According to Green's Dictionary of Slang, square originates as prison slang for factory-made cigarettes, whether issued in prison or sold commercially.

What is having a bubble in slang?

6. Bubble Bath = Laugh. “£50? You're having a bubble.” This is one of the most common phrases, and it's spoken across the UK.

What is a slang word for bum?

Slang for "bum" depends on the intended meaning: for the buttocks, common slang includes booty, buns, tush, backside, derriere, fanny (US), keister, or more vulgar terms like ass/arse; for a lazy person, it's loafer, slacker, layabout, deadbeat, couch potato, or shirker, while "bumming" (begging) uses words like scrounge, mooch, cadge, or sponge. 

What does 🫧 mean in texting?

A few floating bubbles. May be used to represent soap suds, carbonation, or an effervescent personality.

What happens if you refuse to eat in jail?

A hunger strike ultimately produces physical consequences requiring medical attention. Prison authorities have only two choices: do nothing and allow the prisoner to die or force feed the inmate.

What is a dime in jail?

DIME: A 10-year prison sentence. DINNER AND A SHOW: When inmates eat in the food hall and watch other inmates fight and get pepper sprayed by prison staff. DOBIE: A biscuit or roll, derived from the word "adobe," which means "brick". DOING THE DUTCH: Killing yourself in prison.

How long do inmates go to the hole?

Time in "the hole" (solitary confinement) varies wildly, from days or weeks for minor infractions to months or even years for serious offenses, with some inmates spending decades, depending on the prison, state, and reason, but reforms in some states now limit it to 15-20 consecutive days. Reasons for placement include rule violations, protective custody, or being a security risk, often involving 23-24 hours daily in a small cell, with some long-term cases involving repeated placements or being moved between different solitary units. 

What is an elbow in jail?

ELBOW : A life sentence. Usage example: "I got an elbow.” EPRO : Earliest possible release date.

Do prisons have bed bugs?

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are blood-sucking insects that bite humans usually at night and cause nuisance, psychological and social problems. These insects are considered a health hazard in densely populated places such as prisons.

What is POM in jail?

Your Prison Offender Manager (POM) will work with you whilst you are in prison. They are part of the team called the Offender Management Unit (OMU). They will work with your Community Offender Manager to help you complete goals on your sentence plan.

What is a C cat in jail?

Category C.

This is where prison staff think you will not escape, but that you cannot be trusted in an open prison.

What is S and Y in jail?

SNY is a designation for incarcerated people who have safety concerns regarding living on a General Population (GP) yard, while NDPFs house people together regardless of their GP or SNY status to afford incarcerated people greater access to rehabilitative programs.

What is rule 21 in jail?

Upon the defendant's motion, the court must transfer the proceeding against that defendant to another district if the court is satisfied that so great a prejudice against the defendant exists in the transferring district that the defendant cannot obtain a fair and impartial trial there.

What's the longest someone spent in jail?

During his time in prison, he became eligible for parole multiple times but was repeatedly denied release until 1980. Finally, on May 7, 1980, Geidel was released from the Fishkill Correctional Facility after spending nearly seven decades behind bars. He was 86 years old at the time of his release.