Jailbird

A 'jailbird' is a derogatory term for a person who has been, or is repeatedly, incarcerated in a jail or prison. It implies a history of criminal behavior and often carries a strong negative connotation, suggesting untrustworthiness and a disregard for the law. The term is rooted in the imagery of confinement and the perceived association of the individual with a life of crime. It's a loaded word, often used to label someone and can perpetuate stereotypes and prejudices. The use of 'jailbird' usually focuses on the repeated encounters with the justice system and paints a picture of someone with a criminal history, regardless of current circumstances.

Jailbird meaning with examples

• The tabloid headlines screamed about the 'jailbird' and his latest arrest, even though the charges were minor. The media exploited his past to sensationalize the story and paint him in the worst possible light, regardless of the details. This created a public perception that overshadowed the facts of the current case.
• Despite his attempts at rehabilitation, his neighbors still viewed him as a 'jailbird'. They remembered his previous offenses and were reluctant to believe he had changed. The label followed him and made it difficult for him to find work and integrate back into the community, creating further barriers to his rehabilitation.
• The defense attorney argued that the prosecution was unfairly prejudicing the jury by referring to the defendant as a 'jailbird'. He maintained that the defendant's prior record was irrelevant to the current charges and that the jury should focus on the evidence.
• In the gritty drama, the protagonist, a former 'jailbird', struggles to escape his past and build a new life for himself. The constant references to his time in prison and the mistrust from those around him underscore the enduring effects of imprisonment and social stigma.