Jun 4, 2025

Prison Made Goods

Inventions and Slang from Prison

Prisons are often thought of as places of punishment and isolation, but they have also been sites of creativity and innovation. Many inventions and unique slang terms have originated within prison walls, reflecting the resourcefulness and culture of incarcerated individuals.

Prison Inventions

Necessity is the mother of invention, and nowhere is this more true than in prison. With limited resources and strict regulations, inmates have devised clever ways to create tools, food, and even art.

• Pruno: A homemade alcoholic beverage created from fruit, sugar, and bread.
• Shanks: Improvised knives made from toothbrushes, metal scraps, or other materials.
• Handmade chess sets: Crafted from soap, paper, or other available materials.
• Toilet paper dice: Used for games and gambling.

What was invented in a prison?

Some inventions, like pruno and shanks, are unique to the prison environment. These items are created out of necessity and ingenuity, using whatever materials are available. Prisoners have also developed creative ways to communicate and pass time, such as making chess sets from soap or dice from toilet paper.

Prison Slang

Prison culture has given rise to a rich vocabulary of slang terms, many of which are unknown outside the prison system. These terms help inmates communicate discreetly and express their experiences.

• Shank: A homemade knife.
• Fish: A new inmate.
• Kite: A contraband note or message.
• Lockdown: When inmates are confined to their cells.

What is 12 12 in prison slang?

While the article does not specifically define “12 12,” it does mention that prison slang is used for discreet communication and to express unique aspects of prison life. Terms like “shank,” “fish,” and “kite” are examples of this specialized vocabulary.

Prison Labor and Manufacturing

In some countries, prison labor is used to manufacture goods for private companies. This practice has been the subject of controversy, with debates about ethics and fair compensation for inmates.

Is Victoria’s Secret made in prison?

The article notes that prison labor is sometimes used to manufacture goods for private companies, but it does not specifically mention Victoria’s Secret. However, it is known that in the past, some companies have used prison labor for manufacturing certain products.

Prison Made Goods