ABSTRACT
Argot knowledge varied with criminal behavior and criminal norms, and it correlated with time spent at the institution. Knowledge of argot, that is, familiarity with the language of criminals, may function as an indicator of affiliation in a criminal subculture. One objective of the main study was to find out whether the inmates increased their knowledge of argot during their confinement. The argot test has been administered to several different groups representing different ages, sexes, professions, and regions. One interest has been to answer certain questions about argot, such as how often it is used, why it is used, and where it is learned. The pilot study for the present investigation, done in a girls’ training school, showed there was a clear difference in knowledge of argot between criminal and control groups. Participation in a criminal subculture can take many forms: the participants speak argot, adhere to deviant norms, and commit criminal acts.
