North Carolina Correctional Officer State Practice Exam

How is "buck" commonly understood among inmates?

1. The act of making homemade alcohol

2. A type of prison currency

3. A nickname for inmates working in the kitchen

4. A term for a type of contraband

The correct answer is: The act of making homemade alcohol

The term "buck" is commonly understood among inmates primarily as a type of prison currency. In many correctional facilities, traditional forms of currency may not be accepted, leading to the development of a system where items or services are traded. In this context, "buck" refers to the informal exchanges that take place between inmates, often involving food, toiletries, or other goods that hold value within the prison community. While the act of making homemade alcohol, known as "pruno" or "hooch," is a common practice among inmates, this specific activity does not align with the definition of "buck" as a type of currency. Therefore, the understanding of "buck" as prison currency takes precedence in defining its usage among inmates.