Slang For Police (48 Examples!)

When it comes to talking about the police, it seems like every place has its own set of nicknames.

Some are funny, some are a bit cheeky, and others are just plain practical.

In this article, we’re going to check out the different slang terms people use for the cops.

From the ‘Boys in Blue’ to just ‘The Law’, these nicknames tell us a lot about how people see the police in their part of the world.

So, let’s dive in and explore the many names we give to those who wear the badge.

Slang For Police

Authorities

A formal term for police or law enforcement officials.

Example in a sentence: “The Authorities were called to manage the situation.”

Beat

Refers to the regular route or area patrolled by a police officer.

Example in a sentence: “He’s been walking the beat for years, knowing every corner of the neighborhood.”

Bill (UK)

A British slang term for the police, originating from the old policing system ‘The Bow Street Runners’ who were also known as ‘The Bill’.

Example in a sentence: “Quick, leg it! It’s the old Bill!”

Blue Heelers (Australia)

An Australian term for police, derived from the blue uniforms and a reference to a breed of dog known for its endurance.

Example in a sentence: “The Blue Heelers were quick to respond to the emergency.”

Bluebottles

A colloquial term for police officers, possibly derived from the blue uniform resembling the color of a bluebottle fly.

Example in a sentence: “The bluebottles showed up just as the crowd was getting restless.”

Bobbies (UK)

Named after Sir Robert Peel, who established the first organized police force in London, the term is a traditional nickname for British police officers.

Example in a sentence: “The Bobbies are known for their distinctive helmets.”

Boys in Blue

A common term for police officers, referring to the blue color of their uniforms.

Example in a sentence: “The Boys in Blue arrived just in time to calm the situation.”

Brass

Refers to high-ranking police officers, especially those who wear badges made of brass.

Example in a sentence: “The Brass decided to change the department’s policy.”

Coppers

A traditional term for police officers, possibly derived from the copper buttons of early police uniforms or the Latin ‘capere’, meaning to capture.

Example in a sentence: “The coppers were hot on the trail of the suspect.”

Constabulary

A formal term referring to the police force or a group of police officers.

Example in a sentence: “The local constabulary was involved in community outreach.”

Cops

A widely recognized slang term for police officers, possibly originating from the word ‘copper’.

Example in a sentence: “The cops showed up at the party due to a noise complaint.”

Detectives

Police officers who investigate crimes and do not typically wear uniforms.

Example in a sentence: “The detectives were gathering evidence at the crime scene.”

Feds (US, for FBI but used for police in general)

Refers to federal law enforcement agencies, especially the FBI, but often used to refer to any police force.

Example in a sentence: “The Feds were called in for this high-profile case.”

Feds (Usually refers to federal law enforcement)

Specifically denotes federal law enforcement agencies, separate from local or state police.

Example in a sentence: “The Feds have jurisdiction over this particular crime.”

Filth (UK, informal)

A derogatory UK slang term for police officers.

Example in a sentence: “He’s always had a distrust of the Filth.”

Five-O

Originating from the TV show ‘Hawaii Five-O’, used to refer to police officers.

Example in a sentence: “Five-O is on their way, so keep it cool.”

Flatfoots

A term used to describe police officers, often implying plodding or unimaginative behavior.

Example in a sentence: “The flatfoots were patrolling the neighborhood.”

Force

Refers to the collective body of police officers or a police department.

Example in a sentence: “He’s been a member of the force for over two decades.”

Fuzz

A slang term for police, origin unclear but widely recognized.

Example in a sentence: “The Fuzz were quick to break up the street fight.”

Gendarmes (In French-speaking areas)

French term for armed police officers or gendarmerie, used in French-speaking countries.

Example in a sentence: “The gendarmes were stationed at every major intersection during the event.”

Heat

A term for police that suggests pressure or the intense presence of law enforcement.

Example in a sentence: “When the Heat showed up, everyone scattered.”

Inspectors

Police officers who hold a specific rank, responsible for overseeing investigations.

Example in a sentence: “The Inspectors took charge of the crime scene.”

Law

A general term for police officers, emphasizing their role in enforcing legal statutes.

Example in a sentence: “The Law was called to restore order during the protest.”

Lawmen

Refers to police officers, particularly in historical or Western contexts.

Example in a sentence: “The Lawmen were respected in the small frontier town.”

Man

Used to refer to police officers, often in a context of authority or control.

Example in a sentence: “The Man is always keeping an eye on this neighborhood.”

Marshals

Refers to law enforcement officers, particularly in federal or specialized jurisdictions.

Example in a sentence: “The Marshals are involved in the witness protection program.”

Mounties (Canada, specifically for the RCMP)

Informal term for members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Example in a sentence: “The Mounties are known for their distinctive red uniforms.”

Narcs (Specifically for narcotics officers)

Refers to police officers who specialize in narcotics and drug-related crimes.

Example in a sentence: “The Narcs raided the suspected drug house.”

Officers

A formal term for police personnel.

Example in a sentence: “The Officers responded to the emergency call.”

Old Bill (UK)

A traditional British slang term for the police.

Example in a sentence: “The Old Bill quickly arrived at the scene of the crime.”

Pandu (India, informal)

A colloquial term used in India for a police officer.

Example in a sentence: “The Pandu managed the traffic chaos efficiently.”

Patrol

Refers to police officers who are on duty monitoring a specific area.

Example in a sentence: “The Patrol was keeping an eye on the neighborhood.”

Peelers (Historical UK)

An historical term for police officers in the UK, named after Sir Robert Peel.

Example in a sentence: “The Peelers were the first organized police force in London.”

Pigs

A derogatory slang term for police officers.

Example in a sentence: “The protesters were shouting at the Pigs.”

Plod (UK, informal)

A British slang term for a police officer, often implying they are slow or cumbersome.

Example in a sentence: “PC Plod is a character in children’s books, representing a police officer.”

Po-Po

A modern slang term for police, often used in urban areas.

Example in a sentence: “The Po-Po showed up at the party after a noise complaint.”

Police

The official term for the civil force responsible for maintaining law and order.

Example in a sentence: “The Police were quick to respond to the burglary.”

Rangers

Refers to a type of law enforcement officer, often in a state or national park context.

Example in a sentence: “The Rangers are responsible for enforcing laws in the national park.”

Rozzers (UK)

A British slang term for police officers.

Example in a sentence: “The Rozzers were patrolling the streets during the festival.”

Sheriffs

Refers to elected law enforcement officers, typically in charge of a county in the United States.

Example in a sentence: “The Sheriffs were involved in the search and rescue operation.”

Shields

Refers to police officers, derived from the shield-shaped badges they often wear.

Example in a sentence: “The Shields were called in to deal with the riot.”

Smokies (Especially in the US, for highway patrol)

A slang term for highway patrol officers, particularly in the United States.

Example in a sentence: “The Smokies were monitoring the speed on the highway.”

Squad

Refers to a group of police officers working together, often in a specific department or unit.

Example in a sentence: “The bomb squad was called in to investigate the suspicious package.”

Sweeney (UK, Cockney rhyming slang for Flying Squad)

A Cockney rhyming slang term for the Flying Squad, a branch of the Metropolitan Police in London.

Example in a sentence: “The Sweeney is known for dealing with armed robberies and serious crimes.”

Thin Blue Line

A term used to symbolize the role of police in maintaining order and protecting citizens.

Example in a sentence: “The Thin Blue Line stands between society and chaos.”

Troopers

Refers to state police officers or highway patrol officers, especially in the United States.

Example in a sentence: “The Troopers set up a roadblock to catch the fugitive.”

Wallopers (Australia, informal)

An Australian slang term for police officers, often used informally.

Example in a sentence: “The Wallopers were all over the place after the match.”

Watch

A historical term for a group of people organized to keep order, the precursor to modern police forces.

Example in a sentence: “In medieval times, the Watch would patrol the streets at night.”

And there you have it – a quick tour through the world of slang for the police.

From terms of respect to those with a bit of edge, it’s clear that the way we talk about the cops can vary a lot from place to place.

These nicknames, whether serious or light-hearted, reflect our diverse experiences and attitudes towards law enforcement.

So next time you hear someone mention the ‘Fuzz’, ‘Coppers’, or even the ‘Old Bill’, you’ll know there’s more to it than just a name.

It’s a small glimpse into the local culture and the everyday language that keeps our communities buzzing.

Founder - @PollyWebster

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.

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