General
spin
What does spin mean?
UK prison shorthand for a cell search. Officers come in, turn the place over — mattress lifted, books fanned, toothpaste squeezed — hunting for phones, drugs, blades, brew. Usually heard as 'pad spin' (pad = cell). Random, hated, routine.
"Got a spin this morning — they had the whole pad inside out before breakfast."
Origin
From the idea of spinning a cell around — turning it upside down.
Frequently asked questions
What does "spin" mean in prison slang?
It's a search of your cell by prison officers (screws) looking for contraband.
How do you use "spin" in a sentence?
"The screws gave my cell a spin this morning and turned everything over."
What is a cell spin?
It's a shakedown — officers searching an inmate's cell for banned or hidden items.
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