maton

prison warden, screw (slang)

noun mah-TOHN Rare

Usage Note

Maton is an informal, often derogatory, word for a prison guard (gardien de prison). It is strongly associated with the register of prison slang (l'argot carcéral) and is considered offensive by prison staff. The feminine equivalent is matonne. In polite contexts, surveillant pénitentiaire is the correct term.

Examples

"Le maton a ouvert la cellule le matin."

Natural Translation

The warden opened the cell in the morning.

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