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mail call

What does mail call mean?

The daily moment when officers hand out letters and packages; a high point of the routine.

"Nothing for him at mail call again this week."

Origin

Military/institutional term for the mail distribution.

Frequently asked questions

What is 'mail call' in prison?
It's the daily moment when officers distribute letters and packages to inmates, often the emotional high point of the day's routine.
Where does 'mail call' come from?
It's a military and institutional term for the mail distribution, carried over into prison usage.
Why is mail call a big deal inside?
Contact with the outside world is scarce, so receiving a letter is one of the few bright spots in the daily routine, and getting nothing can be a real letdown.
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Slang definitions: FreeDict original editorial.