Despite the attempts of the educated part of society to instill a culture of speech in the younger generation, jargonisms with a clear criminal bias are especially popular in everyday conversations. This happens due to the capacity, expressiveness of words and expressions. "Shkonka" is an example of a colorful definition, a place which was found even in the framework of conscript service in the army and navy. What can we say about the inhabitants who are not connected by the charter and constant supervision of the officer?
Riddles of origin
It is impossible to trace the etymology, although some sources suggest roots in Hebrew or Yiddish. Just based on the history of the appearance of many other "thieves" expressions. But almost everyone can answer that a bed in a correctional facility or at a sensitive facility is a bunk. What can she be? Depends on the specific institution:
- a bench mounted on the wall;
- collapsible metal bed;
- multi-tiered bunks, etc.
In any case, the speaker means a berth. And its size, shape and quantity do not matter.
Prisoners love
Why is the concept widely known? You need to understand what it means for the guest of a prison or similar institution with a specific organization of personal space. Around traffic and noise, regularly bring new prisoners and lead old ones. Everything is in sight of each other, and any word can cause conflict. And only on one’s own couch can a person retire, as if he is fencing off from the outside world and feels great security.
It is not surprising that upon reaching freedom, for many, the shkonka is a symbol of relaxation and at least partial safety. Because of this, the sofa in the living room for family viewing the evening news immediately gets a resounding definition. In an ironic vein, even a marital bed can be called that, if they want to indicate the severity of the second half.
Army life
In the military units you can see massive double beds made of metal, just like in prisons. And in the naval service, sailors have to dream of comfort at the sight of a berth. From the point of view of linguists, these shkonki are the real ones! But due to the close connection with criminal jargon, sanctions are possible on the part of senior comrades responsible for discipline, if an ambiguous term is used.
Everyday speech
Should I include in the lexicon? Those around you will make the wrong impression about you if you hear a bright, but with a clear negative subtext, word. In the eyes of ordinary citizens, such a characteristic would seem to belittle the dignity of a soft sofa or a wide modern bed with a massage mode. Thoughts may arise about the speaker’s potential criminal record. Therefore, keep the concept in mind, but use it only in a situation suitable for this.