Street
agitator
What does agitator mean?
A prisoner who manipulates or goads others into conflict, often to watch or profit from the fallout.
"The agitator whispered in both their ears until they squared off."
Origin
General 'agitator'; specialized to the yard troublemaker.
Frequently asked questions
What is an 'agitator' in prison?
An agitator is an inmate who manipulates or goads others into fighting, often to watch the outcome or profit from the fallout.
How does an agitator operate?
They typically stir up trouble quietly, feeding both sides of a dispute until it boils over into a fight, without getting directly involved themselves.
Where does the word come from?
It's the general English word 'agitator,' specialized in prison usage to mean the yard troublemaker who provokes conflict.
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