General
new jack
What does new jack mean?
A rookie cop or corrections officer — green, eager, and bound to make rookie mistakes. NY tri-state usage especially.
"Don't send a new jack to clear that building solo, he's been on the job six weeks."
Origin
African-American vernacular for a newcomer, popularised by the 1991 film New Jack City and the early-90s 'new jack swing' genre. Used by NYPD, NYC corrections and on the street alike to mean a green rookie.
Frequently asked questions
What does new jack mean?
It's a term for a rookie — someone fresh out of the academy with no time on the street.
How do you use new jack in a sentence?
"Go easy on the new jack, it's his first week on the beat."
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