What is commonly referred to as 'hooch' in prison slang?

In prison slang, 'hooch' typically refers to homemade alcohol. The term is derived from various methods inmates use to ferment ingredients like fruit, sugar, and bread to produce alcoholic beverages in a confined environment. The production and consumption of hooch can occur discreetly since alcohol is often prohibited in correctional facilities, making it a form of contraband. The significance of hooch in prison culture highlights issues related to substance abuse, coping mechanisms, and the social dynamics among inmates.

Understanding this terminology is important for correctional officers, as it can assist them in recognizing signs of alcohol production and management of related infractions or dangers within the facility. In contrast, while drugs, tobacco, and contraband itself also play roles in prison environments, they do not carry the specific connotation associated with homemade alcoholic beverages that 'hooch' does.