L.A. SPEAK : CALABOOSE CUISINE

blow-up: n. soy-based protein mix that inmates at L.A. County Jail say expands in the stomach. “Any more of that blow-up and I’ll take out a whole block.”

Chernobyl chicken: n. it’s burned on the outside and raw on the inside.

Dr. Seuss: n. powdered eggs that have a green tint to them.

Mr. Ed: n. a meat course of suspicious origin.

red death: n. ruby punch that inmates swear is really a disinfectant poured from a mop bucket. “Man, not even red death can wash out the taste of that Mr. Ed.” Also: dual-purpose punch.

Rodney King: n. whipped potatoes.

Sherman Block: n. a pork chop.

wagon wheels: n. pancakes.