Peckerwood Hand Sign

The hand sign for "peckerwood" uses the thumb, index finger and middle finger of one hand to form the letter "P," and the four fingers of the other hand to form the letter "W." This is especially common in California. Peckerwood, derived from an old racial epithet aimed at whites, has evolved to become a term used to refer to white prisoners, particularly white prisoners belonging to the white supremacist prison gang subculture. Often the term is shortened to "wood" and all such prisoners in a particular prison might be referred to as the "woodpile." Female members or associates are referred to as featherwoods.

This database provides an overview of many of the terms and individuals used by or associated with movements and groups that subscribe to and/or promote extremist or hateful ideologies.