What is an elbow in jail?

Asked by: Kamron Mertz  |  Last update: February 18, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (30 votes)

In jail slang, "elbow" has several meanings: it can refer to a pound (lb) of drugs, especially cannabis (from "LB"), a detective or "fly cop," or it can describe the meaning behind an elbow spiderweb tattoo, symbolizing being trapped in the system or idle time spent leaning on bars. It can also mean to be dismissed or fired, similar to being given the "cold shoulder," notes this slang dictionary entry.

What is an elbow in slang?

In slang, "elbow" most famously means to reject, dismiss, or tell someone to go away, often by saying "give them the elbow" (British). It can also mean to physically shove someone to get ahead or out of the way, or in drug slang, it refers to a pound (lb) of drugs. 

What is an elbow jail term?

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

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 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. 

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30 related questions found

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 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.

Is 1 day in jail equal to 2 days?

Sentences to county jail

In other words, for every two days of actual time in custody, four days will have been deemed served, or essentially half-time credit. (§ 4019(f).) The change is made effective for all crimes committed on or after October 1, 2011.

What does the 4 leaf clover tattoo mean in jail?

Shamrock / 4-Leaf Clover

Often tied to Irish gangs or white supremacist groups like the Aryan Brotherhood. The meaning can vary, but it's usually associated with gang affiliation.

How long will I serve on a 3 year sentence?

So, if you received a 36-month sentence (3 years), you would serve 18 months in prison, and 18 months on licence.

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.

Why do they call it an elbow?

Few people ever wonder why their elbows are called elbows, but there is a reason. The word breaks into two parts el and bow. Inside your forearm are two bones called the radius and the ulna. The ulna is named from Latin and Latin in turn took the name ultimately from an Indo-European root el meaning “forearm.”

What is the slang for 420?

The slang expression 420 originated in California in the 1970's when students would meet outside their school at 4:20 p.m. and smoke weed. In contemporary culture 420 refers to April 20 when at 4:20 p.m. pot smokers light up in celebration of marijuana use. Teenagers often use 420 as a replacement word for weed.

What is 3.5 in slang?

When you come across the phrase "3.5 bag" it means 3.5 grams of weed, also known as an eighth or 1/8 ounce in cannabis slang terminology! This amount is quite popular among marijuana users as it strikes a balance between having your little stash and buying in larger quantities in one go!

What does $20 get you in jail?

In jail, $20 can buy several small necessities from the commissary like toothpaste, stamps, snacks (ramen, chips), socks, or hygiene items, but it won't cover luxury items, extensive phone time, or medical copays, which can cost $10-$20 per visit; it's a starting point for basic comforts beyond what the facility provides, though often at inflated prices.
 

Can I spend the night with my boyfriend in jail?

No, you generally cannot spend the night with your boyfriend in jail, as overnight stays are extremely rare and usually limited to approved "conjugal visits" or "family reunion programs" in a few states (like CA, CT, NY, WA), requiring specific criteria, applications, and often being for spouses or registered partners, not just any boyfriend. Standard visits are during the day, and you must be on an approved visitor list, but you won't stay overnight.
 

What is the rule 43 in jail?

In the UK prison system, Prison Rule 43 allows for the segregation of inmates for their own protection (e.g., vulnerable prisoners like sex offenders) or for prison discipline, moving them to separate units where conditions can be harsh, with reduced association, recreation, and access to property, though it's intended to be a safeguard against violence and often involves solitary conditions, raising concerns about isolation and stigmatization. There's also a US Federal Rule 43 concerning a defendant's presence in court, but the prison context points to the UK rule.
 

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.
 

Will I get banned for doing 50 in a 30?

Yes, going 50 in a 30 is extremely fast (20 mph over) and can definitely lead to penalties like high fines, points, significant insurance hikes, and potentially license suspension, especially in places like Florida where 30+ over can be a misdemeanor or even felony (50+ over). Consequences vary by location (state/country), but it's a serious offense that often triggers mandatory court appearances, jail time in extreme cases, and can greatly impact insurance rates, with potential for license revocation on repeat offenses. 

What's worse, felony 1 or felony 3?

A first-degree felony is significantly worse than a third-degree felony, representing the most serious level of felony crimes, often involving severe violence or premeditation, while third-degree felonies are less severe but still carry substantial penalties, with specific punishments varying by state, but generally involving years in prison. In most jurisdictions, the numbering goes from 1 (most serious) down to 3 or 4 (less serious felonies). 

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 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 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.