General
beast
What does beast mean?
UK prison term for a sex offender — used with venom, especially for nonces and child abusers. Being labelled a beast on the wing is a death sentence to your safety; it's why so many sex offenders end up on the VP (vulnerable prisoner) wing.
"Word got round he was a beast and he was off the wing by lunchtime."
Origin
British prison slang, popularised through tabloid reporting on high-profile sex cases. The Sun and others routinely use 'beast' as a headline shorthand for convicted paedophiles.
Frequently asked questions
What does beast mean in UK prison slang?
In UK prison slang, a beast is a sex offender, especially one who's hurt children.
Is beast an offensive term?
Yes, it's a strongly derogatory prison term used with contempt toward sex offenders.
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