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.