Street
bit
What does bit mean?
A term of incarceration; someone 'doing a bit' is serving time. Often implies a relatively short sentence.
"He did a two-year bit and came out with a trade certificate."
Origin
General American criminal slang for a stretch of time served, in use since the early 20th century.
Frequently asked questions
What does bit mean in prison slang?
It refers to a prison sentence; someone 'doing a bit' is serving time, and it often implies a relatively short term.
Where does the term bit come from?
It is general American criminal slang for a stretch of time served, in use since the early 20th century.
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