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Shiv
01
an improvised stabbing weapon, typically homemade from available materials
Slang
Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Inanimate
Composition
Simple
Countable
Plural form
shivs
What does "shiv" mean in prison slang?
The structure is a simple noun of uncertain origin, possibly derived from the Romani word "shiv" meaning blade, or from the British thieves' cant word "chiv" meaning knife. It is used to describe an improvised stabbing weapon, typically homemade from available materials such as plastic, metal, glass, or wood.
Examples
The inmate was caught with a shiv in his pocket.
