[Emerald U.]

Why Are Police Officers Called “Cops”?​

You’ve probably heard someone say they “called the cops.” Many colorful explanations have been offered, such as “cop” standing for “Constable on Patrol” or referring to shiny copper badges. None of those are true.

Image source: Kindel Media/Pexels

The real origin comes from the verb “to cop”, meaning to seize or catch, which appeared in print as early as the 18th century. By the mid-19th century, “cop” had become common slang in the US for a law enforcement officer, a fitting title for someone whose job is to catch criminals.

In the UK and Australia, the older term “copper” remained more popular.

So the next time you say “I called the cops,” you’re using a bit of linguistic history with roots in old English.

Fascinating, right? If you’ve got a fun fact up your sleeve, feel free to share it with us in the forum!

 

[glojeans13]

That’s a nice article. I’m glad to hear the true meaning behind the word “cops” I always disliked it because I thought it was a derogatory term for the word police so thank you.