There are many colorful slang terms used in England to refer to the police. These terms often reflect the complicated relationship between the public and law enforcement. Some terms are derogatory while others are more lighthearted and humorous. Here are some of the most common English slang words for police officers:
Bobbies
One of the most well-known slang terms for police in England is “bobbies.” This nickname originated in the 19th century after Sir Robert Peel, who served twice as Prime Minister of the UK. Peel was instrumental in founding the Metropolitan Police Service in London in 1829. Police constables at the time wore helmets that resembled the hat style associated with Peel, so they became known as “bobbies” or “peelers.”
Coppers
“Coppers” is a common slang word used to refer to police officers in England and the rest of the UK. It refers to the copper badges that police officers originally wore. “Coppers” can be used in both positive and derogatory ways. It’s often heard in phrases like “Here come the coppers!” or “Those damn coppers ruined my fun.”
Rozzers
“Rozzers” is old London slang for the police that dates back to the early 20th century. The term may have derived from the word “constable.” It’s considered quite an old-fashioned term these days. “The rozzers are on their way, we better scram!”
Old Bill
“Old Bill” is an old slang term for the police that has its origins in the 18th century. One theory suggests it was originally used within the British armed forces to refer to the military police. It then crossed over into civilian use. These days it’s more likely to be used humorously than as a serious term.
Boys in Blue
The police are sometimes called the “boys in blue” or just “the blues” in England. This refers to the traditional blue uniforms that many police officers wear. “Blue” can also mean something is associated with police activity or law enforcement in general. For example, someone might say “I parked in a blue zone” to mean they parked illegally and risk getting a ticket.
Plod
“Plod” is a humorous term for a police officer, often connoting someone who is boring or dim-witted. It suggests the police plod along slowly and methodically. The term was popularized by the British comic novel “Noddy Goes To Toyland” which featured lots of run-ins between the main character and the local police force known as “PC Plod.”
Pig
“Pig” is a derogatory slang term for police that originated in the 1960s counter-culture movement. It compares the police to pigs, known for their gluttony and stupidity. The term is still considered highly insulting to police officers. It can also be used as a verb, such as “The cops pigged out on doughnuts after the drug bust.”
Bacon
“Bacon” is a newer slang term for the police, playing off the “pig” insult. It’s often used humorously, as in the phrase “hide the bacon” to mean avoiding the police. The term may come from the pork product bacon, which also comes from pigs.
Fuzz
“Fuzz” is an American slang term for the police that crossed over into British slang in the 1960s and 70s. One theory suggests it derives from “fuzzy wuzzy,” a term for hair. It may refer to the mustaches worn by police officers. “Fuzz” can also more generally mean something confusing or fuzzy.
Filth
“Filth” or “the filth” is a highly derogatory way to refer to the police in the UK. It implies the police themselves are dirty or corrupt. Criminals may use this term among themselves. It’s not recommended for everyday use as it is quite offensive.
Babylon
“Babylon” emerged as slang for the police within the Jamaican community and later the broader Black British community. It references the oppressive Biblical kingdom of Babylon and characterizes the police as an institutional tool of racism and oppression. The term gained mainstream popularity after being used in reggae songs.
Busies
“Busies” is a slang abbreviation of “busybodies” used to describe police and other law enforcement agents perceived as meddlesome or nosy. It dates back to the 19th century in both British and American English vernacular. It commonly appears in phrases like “here come the busies!”
Bulls
“Bulls” is an old-fashioned English slang term for the police that compares officers to the imagery of bullying, snorting bulls. It was likely derived from the term “Bull” meaning a detective or plainclothes police officer in the late 19th century.
Narks
A “nark” is a slang term for a plainclothes police informant or undercover detective. Derived from the word “narcotics,” it originated in the U.S. but also gained usage in the UK. The term can also be used as a verb meaning to inform authorities of illegal activities.
Bobbies on the beat
A common British phrase is “bobbies on the beat” referring to uniformed police officers patrolling designated areas on foot. The term conjures up quintessential images of British policing with helmeted bobbies walking neighborhood streets.
Woodentops
“Woodentops” is an old slightly derogatory slang term for uniformed police officers implying they are dim-witted or oblivious like wooden toy soldiers. It dates back to the early 20th century. Similar terms like “wooden heads” and “wooden tops” also existed.
Slang terms by region
Some police slang is specific to certain regions of England:
- In London, police are sometimes called “The Met” after the Metropolitan Police Service.
- “Dandas” is police slang used in Merseyside.
- “Shades” refers to the police in Manchester, from the slang term “blue shades” for their caps.
- “The Heddlu” means police in Welsh.
Rhyming slang
Cockney rhyming slang has produced many creative terms for police over the years, including:
- “Bread and honey” = money = funny = the police
- “Dog and bone” = phone = alone = the police
- “Frog and toad” = road = code = police code
Police vehicles
Slang terms are also commonly used to refer to police vehicles and transport:
- Black Maria – Police van used to transport prisoners
- Jam sandwich – Police car
- Paddy wagon – Police prison van
- Titmobile – Police car
Conclusion
The rich variety of English slang terms for the police reflects both an enduring public fascination with law enforcement and the complex cultural perceptions surrounding the police within British society. While some terms are clearly derogatory, others are more lighthearted and humorous. These colorful slang phrases add vibrance to the English language.