Why do they call jail the hoosegow?

[sadswan637]

Hoosegow. The word is from Mexican Spanish juzgao, a jail, which came from juzgado for a tribunal or courtroom. It shifted to mean a jail because the two were often in the same building (and the path from the one to the other was often swift and certain).

[silvermouse523]

A Hoosegow, or hoosgow, is US slang for a prison or jail.

Subsequently, question is, does Pokey mean slow? Adj. 1. pokey - wasting time. dilatory, laggard, poky. slow - not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time; a slow walker; the slow lane of traffic; her steps were slow; he was slow in reacting to the news; slow but steady growth

Likewise, why is jail called the Big House?

The words big house were used to refer to a jail in the 1930s. It was during that era that the rate of incarceration in the United States was at an all time high.

What is a London jail called?

The Clink was a prison in Southwark, England, which operated from the 12th century until 1780. The name has become slang as a generic term for prison or a jail cell.