"jailbait"

Question

I can accross the word "jailbait" in my studies today (I'm studying to be a legal interpreter) when looking at court transcripts.

It was not used in the (perhaps more common sense) of a young (underage) woman, who may be described as "jailbait" as getting romantically involved with her may lead to one getting in trouble with the law.

It was used in the sense of sending text messages which mention drugs. As in the possibility that the police may intercept a message makes the message "jailbait".

I can explain the concept in Spanish, but don't know of a phrase in the same familiar/informal/slang register.

Any ideas?

As always, any suggestions are greatly appreciated! Gracias.

Great example of American slang! - amykay, Dec 15, 2010

I'd never heard of the new meaning. - lorenzo9, Dec 15, 2010

Today was the first time I'd heard "jailbait" used this way too! - amy_moreno, Dec 15, 2010

Out of interest, what was the source of the phrase? Sounds a rubbish usage of the word to me... - afowen, Dec 15, 2010

It was from a policeman, repeating what one of the accused had said to him. - amy_moreno, Dec 15, 2010

Answer 1

Lazarus, could you think of a more colloquial way to say it than "esto te puede meter en líos"? Maybe sometime like "así te puedes ganar un problemasa/problemón"? What do you think?

Te la estás jugando.

Gracias! :) - amy_moreno, Dec 15, 2010

Answer 2

I don't think there is one single word to say that.

Answer 3

My husband just suggested:

Pones en juego tu pellejo.

I've never heard this before! Has anyone else?

This is a generic way of saying that someone is putting him or herself at risk, but not risk of getting caught by the police; risk of getting hurt or killed. You could use it in that sense too (jailbait), but it's a bit of a stretch. - bill1111, Dec 15, 2010

Yes. Also: "Arriegas el pellejo." - Gekkosan, Dec 15, 2010

Muchas gracias Billstpor, Gekkosan y Lazarus! - amy_moreno, Dec 15, 2010

Answer 4

Lazarus, could you think of a more colloquial way to say it than "esto te puede meter en líos"? Maybe sometime like "así te puedes ganar un problemasa/problemón"? What do you think?