Common slang terms in the 1950s for police included some widely used today, such as “pigs”. Other, more specifically 1950s slang for police included the term “heat”, “the fuzz,” and in Britain they were sometimes called “Old Bill” or “Old Bill Peace”. They may also have been called “bobbies”.
Most slang terms for police from this time have endured at least to some extent today, although many also have not.
The most common slang terms of the 1950s were likely those that are still used today, but at the same time there were many you’d never hear today and indeed which you might never even have heard of in the historical context.
Let’s find out more.
1950s Slang For Police
Bobbies
“Bobbies” is a long-established term for police officers that originated in Britain, named after Sir Robert Peel, the founder of modern policing.
In the 1950s, the term was commonly used across Britain to refer to uniformed police, symbolizing order and community service.
Its usage conveyed both respect and a touch of familiarity, making it a staple in everyday conversation about law enforcement.
Examples in sentences:
- “The bobbies were patrolling the streets last night.”
- “Watch out, there are bobbies around the corner.”
- “He got pulled over by the bobbies for speeding.”
- “During the demonstration, the bobbies kept a close watch.”
- “She thanked the bobbies for helping her find her lost purse.”
Coppers
“Coppers” is a classic 1950s slang term for police officers, used both in Britain and America.
The term comes from the copper badges historically worn by officers, and it became a staple in everyday conversation when referring to law enforcement.
In the 1950s, “coppers” was a familiar and informal way to talk about the police, reflecting the working-class vernacular of the time.
Examples in sentences:
- “I saw some coppers patrolling the neighborhood last night.”
- “He got pulled over by a couple of coppers for speeding.”
- “During the protest, the coppers were keeping a close watch.”
- “The coppers arrived just in time to break up the commotion.”
- “She always made sure to avoid the coppers when walking home late.”
Dick
“Dick” is a shortened form of “detective” that was popular in the 1950s.
It was used informally to refer to police detectives, reflecting the era’s gritty, no-nonsense approach to crime-solving.
The term became a part of everyday slang in discussions about investigations and law enforcement, often evoking the tough, streetwise image of a detective on the case.
Examples in sentences:
- “The local dick was on the case all night.”
- “After the robbery, the dick started tailing the suspect.”
- “Rumor has it that the dick cracked the case in record time.”
- “Everyone trusted that dick to solve the mystery.”
- “The news reported that the dick had uncovered a major lead.”
Flatfoot
“Flatfoot” was a common slang term in the 1950s used to refer to a policeman, especially one seen patrolling on foot.
The term likely comes from the idea that officers, known for their constant walking, have “flat” feet.
It became widely popular in American slang and was often used in everyday conversations to describe the local police in a casual, working-class manner.
Examples in sentences:
- “The flatfoot was out on patrol all night.”
- “I got stopped by a flatfoot for speeding.”
- “During the protest, several flatfoots kept order.”
- “He noticed a flatfoot watching him closely.”
- “She tried to dodge the flatfoots on her way home.”
Fuzz
The “Fuzz” was a popular slang term in the 1950s for the police, especially among younger crowds and those trying to avoid law enforcement.
While its exact origins are unclear, some believe it may have come from “fuss,” suggesting that the police caused trouble or were overly strict.
Others suggest it refers to the fuzzy appearance of early police radio transmissions.
Either way, “the fuzz” became a well-known and widely used term in American slang.
Examples in sentences:
- “Uh-oh, it’s the fuzz! Let’s get out of here!”
- “He got busted by the fuzz for loitering.”
- “I heard the fuzz raided that place last night.”
- “You better slow down—don’t want the fuzz pulling you over.”
- “Word on the street is the fuzz is cracking down this week.”
Heat
“Heat” was a popular term in the 1950s for the police, especially among hot-rodders and urban youth.
It conveyed the idea that the cops were always “hot on your tail”—a constant pressure in the streets.
This term perfectly captured the tense atmosphere between rebellious youth and the authorities during that era, making it a staple of 1950s slang for those on the run or just trying to avoid trouble.
Examples in sentences:
- “We better scram before the heat shows up!”
- “He got pulled over by the heat on his way home.”
- “The heat was patrolling the block all night.”
- “When you see the heat coming, it’s time to bolt.”
- “They split the scene as soon as they heard the heat approaching.”
Old Bill
“Old Bill” was a common term in the 1950s, primarily in Britain, to refer to the police.
Its origins are linked to rhyming slang and popular usage among the public, reflecting a familiar, sometimes irreverent attitude towards law enforcement.
The term captured the zeitgeist of the era and, although its usage has declined over time, it remains one of the most memorable slang expressions for the police from that period.
Examples in sentences:
- “When things got heated, the old bill arrived on the scene.”
- “He was in trouble with the old bill after a row at the pub.”
- “They tried to avoid the old bill by taking a side street.”
- “The protesters knew the old bill wouldn’t tolerate any mischief.”
- “Late at night, you could always hear whispers about the old bill patrolling.”
Pigs
“Pigs” was a provocative and enduring slang term used in the 1950s to refer to police officers.
Often used by those who viewed law enforcement as oppressive and uncouth, the term encapsulated the countercultural defiance of the era.
Its harsh tone reflected deep-seated frustrations with authority, and while it remains controversial, it was a staple of 1950s street vernacular.
Examples in sentences:
- “Watch out, the pigs are coming!”
- “He got nabbed by a couple of pigs last night.”
- “The protestors chanted, ‘Down with the pigs!'”
- “Back then, many believed the pigs were out to oppress the common man.”
- “That film really captured the era’s animosity toward the pigs.”
Rozzers
“Rozzers” is a colorful slang term from the 1950s used to refer to police officers, particularly in Britain.
The term encapsulates the rebellious spirit of the era, often employed by those looking to poke fun at authority.
Although not as common today as some other terms, “rozzers” remains a vivid reminder of the period’s countercultural attitudes and playful language when talking about law enforcement.
Examples in sentences:
- “After the ruckus, a squad of rozzers showed up to break things up.”
- “You better watch out; the rozzers are patrolling the streets tonight.”
- “He tried to dodge the rozzers after the party.”
- “The protesters were careful to avoid any confrontation with the rozzers.”
- “Back then, everyone knew to steer clear when the rozzers were on the prowl.”
The Man
“The Man” was a widely used term in the 1950s that referred to authority figures, particularly the police.
It captured the countercultural sentiment of the time, as many young people used the term to express defiance against the establishment.
When someone mentioned “The Man,” they were referring to the powers that be—those who enforced the rules and kept order.
It became a catch-all phrase to denote the oppressive forces of authority.
Examples in sentences:
- “You better watch out for The Man when you’re out late.”
- “He’s always complaining about The Man, but never does anything about it.”
- “We need to stick together against The Man’s rules.”
- “She rebelled against The Man at every turn.”
- “The kids were warned not to mess with The Man during curfew.”
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Polly Webster is the founder of Foreign Lingo and a seasoned traveler with a decade of exploration under her belt.
Over the past 10 years, she has journeyed to numerous countries around the globe, immersing herself in diverse cultures, traditions, and languages.
Drawing from her rich experiences, Polly now writes insightful articles about travel, languages, traditions, and cultures, sharing her unique perspectives and invaluable tips with her readers.