General
hardrock
What does hardrock mean?
A career criminal who isn't going straight and isn't pretending to. Usually big, violent, and known on the yard — the guy weaker inmates step around. Distinct from a 'bunk warrior' because a hardrock actually backs it up.
"Don't try him, that's a hardrock — he's been down twenty years and runs the block."
Origin
American prison argot, mid-20th century. Documented in Cardozo-Freeman's 'The Joint' (1984) and similar prison glossaries.
Frequently asked questions
What does hardrock mean?
A hardrock is an unrepentant criminal and yard bully — the real deal, not a wannabe.
How do you use hardrock in a sentence?
Don't test him, he's a proper hardrock and he'll fight back.
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