Street
june bug
What does june bug mean?
A prisoner controlled by stronger inmates and made to run errands, clean, or hold contraband.
"They kept him as a june bug, doing everybody's laundry."
Origin
Southern prison slang; likely from the harmless, easily caught insect.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 'june bug' in prison?
A june bug is a weak inmate controlled by stronger prisoners and made to run errands, clean, or hold contraband.
Where does 'june bug' come from?
It's Southern prison slang, likely from the harmless, easily caught june bug insect, reflecting how the inmate is used and exploited.
How is a june bug different from a punk?
A june bug is exploited mainly for labor and chores. The term focuses on being used as a servant rather than any specific sexual connotation.
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