Lifers is a common term used to describe prisoners sentenced to life in prison. Its spelling is quite straightforward, with the initial sound being /l/, followed by the long vowel sound /aɪ/. The third sound, /f/, is represented by the letter "f", and the final sound, /ər/, is indicated by the letter "r". In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is written as /ˈlaɪfərz/. This word is often used to describe those who will spend the rest of their lives behind bars.
Lifers, in its primary sense, refers to individuals who are serving life sentences in the context of the criminal justice system. It specifically denotes those convicted of serious crimes who are sentenced to spend the remainder of their lives in prison without the possibility of parole. Lifers are typically individuals convicted of heinous offenses such as murder, manslaughter, or other capital crimes.
As a colloquial term, lifers can also refer to individuals who have dedicated their entire lives to a particular pursuit, endeavor, or occupation. In this sense, it implies individuals who have spent a significant portion of their lives, often their entire careers, pursuing a specific activity or profession. It can be applied in various contexts, such as lifers in academia, politics, sports, the military, or any discipline where individuals have dedicated a substantial portion of their lives to excel and make significant contributions.
Furthermore, lifers can have another connotation in prison culture. It can refer to long-term inmates who have spent a significant duration of their lives behind bars, even if they are not serving life sentences. In this context, lifers can include individuals who have been incarcerated for several decades, often becoming influential figures within the prison system due to their extensive experience and knowledge of the institution's customs and dynamics.
Overall, the term lifers can encompass those serving life sentences, individuals dedicated to a specific pursuit, or long-term inmates who have spent a significant portion of their lives imprisoned. The exact meaning and usage of the term vary depending on the specific context.
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The term "lifers" has its origins in the English language, specifically as a colloquial slang term used in various contexts.
One common usage of the term "lifers" refers to individuals who are serving life sentences in prison. The term gained popularity in the early to mid-20th century, particularly within the criminal justice system. Its etymology can be traced back to the combination of the word "life" and the suffix "-er", which is often added to nouns to denote a person associated with or involved in a particular activity. In this case, "lifers" refers to those who are serving life terms in prison.
However, "lifers" can also be used in other contexts. For example, it can refer to individuals who have dedicated their entire careers or lives to a particular profession. In this sense, it describes someone who has committed themselves to a specific job or organization for the long term.