gaolbird
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A person who has been imprisoned multiple times; a habitual criminal with a history of incarceration.
Usage
The term "gaolbird" is used to refer specifically to a repeat offender, someone known for being in and out of prison. It carries a connotation of a person whose life is characterized by criminal activity and imprisonment. Note: "Gaol" is a British English spelling equivalent to the American English "jail."
Examples
- The old-timers at the pub whispered that the new lodger was a known gaolbird.
- The judge, noting the defendant's long record, declared him a hopeless gaolbird.
- The documentary profiled a reformed gaolbird who now worked to help at-risk youth.
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used metaphorically to describe someone who is frequently confined or restricted, though this is less common.
- After his third major injury, the frustrated athlete felt like a gaolbird in the treatment room.
Variants and Related Words
- Jailbird (n.): The more common American English spelling of "gaolbird," with identical meaning.
- Recidivist (n.): A more formal, legal term for a person who relapses into criminal behavior.
- Repeat offender (n.): A neutral, descriptive term for someone who commits multiple crimes.
- Old lag (n.): (Chiefly British, informal) An experienced, long-term criminal or convict.
Synonyms
- Convict
- Hardened criminal
- Repeat offender
- Recidivist
Antonyms
- Law-abiding citizen
- First-time offender
Noun
- a criminal who has been jailed repeatedly