Slang for Police Officers: A Guide to Informal Terminology
From Cops to Bobbies, a comprehensive guide to regional slang terms used to refer to law enforcement officers.
2025-03-08T09:19:25.233Z Back to posts
Slang Terms for Police: A Comprehensive Guide
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In various regions, people have developed informal vocabulary to refer to law enforcement officers. These slang terms can be region-specific, cultural, or influenced by local dialects. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of some common slang terms used to describe police officers.
By Region
United States
| Slang Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Cops | Law enforcement officers in general |
| Pigs | A derogatory term, often associated with anti-police sentiment |
| Fuzz | Another informal term for police officers |
| Five-O | Popularized by the 1960s TV show “Hawaii Five-O,” referring to a specialized law enforcement unit |
United Kingdom
| Slang Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bobbies | A classic term for British police officers, named after Sir Robert Peel |
| Old Bill | A colloquialism for the Metropolitan Police Service in London |
| Plod | An informal term for a police officer, particularly one who is seen as slow or ineffective |
Australia
| Slang Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Coppers | A common slang term for police officers in Australia and New Zealand |
| Paddo | Short for “paddy wagon,” referring to a police vehicle used to transport prisoners |
Other Slang Terms
- Feds: Refers to federal law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI or DEA.
- Mounties: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Canada’s national police force.
- Peelers: A term for police officers in Ireland and the United Kingdom.
- Sheriffs: Law enforcement officials responsible for a specific county or jurisdiction.
It is essential to note that while these slang terms may be widely used, they can sometimes carry negative connotations. Be mindful of your audience and context when using informal vocabulary to describe law enforcement officers.