Street
chin check
What does chin check mean?
A sudden blow to the face used to see if a new or suspect inmate will defend himself.
"They chin-checked the fish his first day to see if he'd hold his own."
Origin
From 'checking' someone's chin, i.e. testing their nerve with a punch.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 'chin check'?
It's a sudden punch to the jaw used to test whether a new or suspect inmate will stand up and fight.
Why do inmates give a chin check?
It's used to gauge a person's nerve and whether they'll defend themselves, often when they first arrive.
Where does the term 'chin check' come from?
It comes from 'checking' someone's chin, meaning testing their courage with a punch.
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