Street
the joint
What does the joint mean?
'The joint' is a common slang term for prison. To be 'in the joint' is to be incarcerated.
"He did a nickel in the joint before he ever turned twenty-five."
Origin
American slang, 20th century; 'joint' as a disreputable place.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'the joint' mean?
It's slang for prison. Being 'in the joint' means being incarcerated.
Where does 'the joint' come from?
It's 20th-century American slang, extending 'joint' as a word for a disreputable place.
Does 'joint' always mean prison?
No. 'The joint' typically means prison, but 'joint' on its own is also common slang for a marijuana cigarette.
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