Definition & Meaning of "chomo"in English

What is the origin of the term "chomo" and how is it used?

"Chomo" is a slang term that emerged in U.S. criminal justice and prison culture in the late 20th century to refer to a child molester or convicted sex offender against children. The word is an abbreviation of "CHild MOlester"—sometimes written as "CHild MO" or "CHild MO/Offender"—created to quickly label and stigmatize such individuals. It is used in informal, legal-adjacent, and correctional contexts, especially in prisons, online forums, and law enforcement discussions. The term is highly derogatory and stigmatizing, applied exclusively to serious criminal behavior, and conveys strong social and moral condemnation.