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What Does a Jacket Mean in Slang?

Published in Slang Terminology 3 mins read

In slang, a "jacket" primarily refers to a criminal record, an accusation, a reputation, or a false charge that sticks to a person. It signifies being marked or blamed for something, often an offense or misdeed.

Origin of the Slang Term

The term "jacket" in this context originated from prisoner and police slang. Historically, a "jacket" referred to the physical cardboard or paper covering or file that contained the documents of a criminal case. When someone was being prosecuted or had a criminal history, they were said to "wear a jacket" or be "given a jacket," meaning they were associated with or marked by that particular case file or accusation. This concept has evolved to encompass any kind of blame, accusation, or established reputation, particularly a negative one, that becomes difficult to shed.

Modern Interpretations and Usage

Today, the slang term "jacket" is used in various contexts, largely retaining its original sense of being identified with a particular characteristic or accusation.

Key Meanings:

  • Criminal Record or History: The most direct application, where a person's "jacket" is their established criminal past.
  • Accusation or Blame: Being held responsible for something, whether true or false. If someone "gets a jacket," they are being accused.
  • Reputation: A person's established character or public perception, especially if it's negative or hard to change.
  • Taking the Fall: The phrase "to wear the jacket" often means to accept blame or responsibility for something, even if others were involved or if the person is innocent.

Practical Examples and Usage Scenarios

Understanding "jacket" in slang is crucial for interpreting informal communication, especially in contexts related to crime, blame, or reputation.

Common Phrases and Their Meanings:

Slang Phrase Meaning Example Context
A jacket A criminal record, an accusation, or a bad reputation. "He's got a jacket for that old robbery, so he can't get that job."
Wear the jacket To take the blame or responsibility for something. "Someone has to wear the jacket for the failed project, and it looks like it's me."
Give someone a jacket To accuse or incriminate someone, often unfairly. "They tried to give him a jacket for the missing money, but he had an alibi."

Situational Insights:

  • In a criminal setting, having a "jacket" means you're already on law enforcement's radar.
  • In a social or professional context, being "given a jacket" could mean being unfairly pigeonholed or labeled.
  • The act of "wearing the jacket" implies a sacrifice or an unfortunate necessity to cover for others or take responsibility for collective failures.

The slang term highlights how past actions, accusations, or even mere associations can define or burden an individual's reputation. For more on the evolution and meaning of informal language, you can explore resources on slang terms.