What is a dime in jail?

Asked by: Jake Boehm DVM  |  Last update: May 2, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (37 votes)

In prison slang, "dime" most commonly refers to a ten-year prison sentence or a ten-year period of time, but it can also mean a $10 bag of drugs or, in the phrase "drop a dime," to snitch or inform on someone to authorities, originating from the 10-cent cost of a payphone call to make that report.

What is a cheeto in jail?

Cheeto. An openly homosexual or transgender inmate.

What does $20 get you in jail?

For $20 in jail, you can buy some basic commissary items like snacks, hygiene products (toothpaste, soap), stamps, or basic food items, but it won't cover much, especially luxury goods, extensive phone time, or medical co-pays, as prices are inflated and essentials aren't free, though basic survival items are provided, with $50-$150 monthly often needed for comfort. 

What does it mean to do a nickel in jail?

Doing/did a nickel = 5 years in prison. Doing/did a dime = 10 years in prison. Spent time on the Farm = time in prison. This is an older term.

What is a dime in street slang?

In slang, a "dime" usually means something valuable or perfect, most commonly referring to an extremely attractive person (a "perfect 10"), a $10 amount (like a "dime bag" of drugs or $10,000 in some contexts), or a great assist in basketball. It can also mean to snitch, as in "dropping a dime" on someone, from the old cost of a payphone call.
 

Lyle and Erik in Prison "Dimes" Scene 1080p | Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story

15 related questions found

What does dime stand for?

The DIME acronym, representing the instruments of national power—diplomatic, informational, military, and economic—is a widely used mental model in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).

What does it mean if a girl is a dime?

A "Dime" is youthful slang for a woman who would be considered a "Perfect 10".

What is an elbow in jail?

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

What is yellow in jail?

White - general inmate population. This color shall be used for all inmates in custody who do not require special handling and who have no medical problems; Yellow - medical alert. This color shall be used to denote prisoners with medical problems.

What is a banger in jail?

BANGER. Gang member. BASE HEAD. Person hooked on cocaine.

How much is a pack of noodles in jail?

Noodle prices in jail vary significantly by location but are generally much higher than retail, ranging from around $0.30 to over $1.00 per pack, with some states like Florida seeing over a dollar for a pack that costs pennies outside, while other states like Texas might have lower prices around $0.35-$1.35. These inflated prices are due to prison commissary markups, where ramen often serves as currency or a valuable food item for inmates, despite low wages.
 

What is the highest paying job in jail?

The highest-paying jobs in a jail setting are typically senior administrative and leadership roles like Warden or Associate Warden, potentially reaching $118,000 to over $139,000 annually in federal prisons, while specialized roles like Correctional Program Officer or ADC DCC Advisor can also pay well (around $90k-$111k), depending heavily on location, experience, and whether it's state or federal, with federal roles often having higher caps. 

How long does $100 last in jail?

$100 in jail can last from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on usage, but it's often just enough for initial needs like basic hygiene and comfort items from the commissary (like soap, snacks, stamps, or socks) before running out, as jail prices for commissary and phone calls can be high, requiring $40-$80 monthly for basics and $120-$200 for more comforts. 

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.

What are cigarettes called in jail?

BATS: Cigarettes. BACK DOOR PAROLE: Dying while in prison. BB FILLER: Body Bag Filler; often used to describe a prisoner who is very sick.

What is pink in jail?

Some police stations have pink-colored “drunk tanks,” or rooms specifically used to hold those arrested for public intoxication. According to a police spokeswoman, this pink hue helps quiet the intoxicated person and encourages them to fall asleep quicker.

What does a purple band mean in jail?

PURPLE - For inmates determined to be potential two or three strike inmates, and all homicide suspects. The codes 2X, 3X, and 187 will be placed on the wristband as appropriate.

How much is $20 worth in jail?

$20 in jail can buy small commissary items like soap, toothpaste, snacks, stamps, or phone time, making a significant difference for basic comforts, but it won't cover major needs or luxuries, as prison markups inflate prices, with an inmate often needing $50-$150 monthly for basics, but even $20 helps with hygiene and small food/phone boosts. 

What is a bone yard in jail?

Bone Yard: 1. n The protection area of a prison. 2. The protection stream of the prison system.

What does hip mean in jail?

The Home Incarceration Program has proven to be a successful reentry method. It promotes family reunification, allows an offender to gain full time employment, participate in educational and self-help programs, and reduces prison overcrowding.

What is a dime in drug slang?

In drug slang, a "dime" or "dime bag" refers to a small, inexpensive amount of a drug, typically cannabis, costing around $10; it's a common term for a ten-dollar portion, representing a small quantity of product for a low price, similar to other slang like "nickel" ($5) or "quarter" (a quarter ounce). 

What is a dime slang for a woman?

In slang, calling a woman a "dime" means she is a very attractive, beautiful woman, essentially a perfect "10" on a scale of attractiveness, originating from the idea of a "Perfect 10". It's a compliment signifying someone exceptionally good-looking, often used in phrases like a "dime piece". 

What dime has a woman on it?

The Mercury dime was minted from 1916 to 1945 and features the profile of Lady Liberty wearing a winged cap on the obverse side. Despite the common misconception that the figure is the Roman god Mercury, it is actually Liberty.