Street
diesel
What does diesel mean?
Prison tea made in a large copper boiler with a giant home-made tea bag, named for the rainbow film that floats on top like oil in a puddle.
"Fancy a mug of diesel before bang-up?"
Origin
From the oily, diesel-like sheen on the surface of the brewed tea.
Frequently asked questions
What is 'diesel' in prison slang?
'Diesel' is strong prison-brewed tea, made in a large boiler with a big home-made tea bag. It's named for the oily, rainbow sheen that floats on the surface.
Why is the tea called 'diesel'?
Because the film on top of the brewed tea looks like the oily, diesel-like rainbow sheen you see on oil in a puddle.
How do you use 'diesel'?
You'd offer or ask for a mug of it, as in 'Fancy a mug of diesel?' before lock-up.
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