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Slammer: meaning, definitions and examples

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slammer

 

[ ˈslæmər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

informal prison

A slammer is a slang term for a prison or jail. It is often used to describe a place where individuals are confined as a punishment for committing a crime.

Synonyms

cell, jail, penitentiary, prison

Examples of usage

  • After his conviction, he spent five years in the slammer.
  • The movie depicted life inside the slammer.
  • He was sent to the slammer for drug possession.
  • Many criminals end up back in the slammer after their release.
  • She was afraid of ending up in the slammer.

Translations

Translations of the word "slammer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 prisão

🇮🇳 जेल

🇩🇪 Gefängnis

🇮🇩 penjara

🇺🇦 в'язниця

🇵🇱 więzienie

🇯🇵 刑務所

🇫🇷 prison

🇪🇸 cárcel

🇹🇷 hapishane

🇰🇷 교도소

🇸🇦 سجن

🇨🇿 vězení

🇸🇰 väzenie

🇨🇳 监狱

🇸🇮 zapora

🇮🇸 fangelsi

🇰🇿 түрме

🇬🇪 ტყვეობა

🇦🇿 həbsxana

🇲🇽 cárcel

Word origin

The term 'slammer' is an informal slang term that emerged in American English, specifically in the mid-20th century. It is likely derived from the word 'slam,' which gives the connotation of being thrown into a cell with a heavy door that is 'slammed' shut. This term reflects the harsh reality and confinement associated with prison life. The usage of slang terms like 'slammer' often arises from the desire to colloquially describe serious subjects in a more approachable manner. The word has continued to gain popularity in criminal justice discussions and media portrayals of prison life, reinforcing its place in contemporary language.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,927, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.