vic
C1Informal (UK), Slang
Definition
Meaning
A British slang term for a prison.
Primarily used in UK informal speech to refer to a prison. Sometimes used as part of compound nouns (e.g., "vic van" for a prison vehicle).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is a clipping of 'convict' or an extension of the abbreviation 'vic' from 'victim' in police slang. It is highly colloquial and not used in formal contexts. Its use often carries connotations of the criminal justice system, arrest, and incarceration.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
This term is exclusively British (specifically UK) slang. It is not used or understood in American English.
Connotations
In UK slang, it conveys a blunt, sometimes cynical or humorous view of the prison system. It lacks the formal or institutional weight of words like 'penitentiary'.
Frequency
Low frequency, confined to specific social groups (e.g., police, ex-convicts, urban youth) and certain UK regions. Uncommon in mainstream media.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be in + [the] vicbe sent to + [the] vicdo + [time/bit] + in [the] vicVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's doing a three-year stretch in the vic.”
- “She got nicked and went straight to the vic.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Rare in general conversation; may be heard in certain UK urban communities or in crime dramas.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They'll vic you for that.
adjective
British English
- vic food is awful.
- vic regulations
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He was terrified of ending up in the vic.
- The police said he'd be going straight to the vic if he did it again.
- After the botched robbery, he spent six months in the local vic awaiting trial.
- The documentary explored the harsh reality of life inside a London vic.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"VIC" sounds like "victim" or "convict"—both related to being caught and imprisoned.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRISON IS A PLACE (A 'VIC')
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian 'вик' (Vik) as a name or abbreviation. It has no relation to 'victim' (жертва) in direct meaning.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a general term for any building (it only means prison).
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using it in American English contexts.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'vic' mean in UK slang?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is exclusively informal British slang.
No, it is not part of American English vocabulary and would likely not be understood.
It is likely a clipping of 'convict' or an extension of police slang 'vic' for 'victim'.
No, that is a different, coincidental abbreviation for a pub name.