Why Police Officers Are Called Cops

The Word “Cop”

If you have talked to anyone who has dealt with the police, you have probably heard them use the word “cop” instead of “policeman” or “police officer.” The word is used so often these days that everyone knows who a cop refers to.

Television criminal dramas such as Law & Order, The Rookie, and others frequently use the term “cop.”

People know about the word, but they don't know its origin. So, why do people call police officers cops?

Names Used For Police Officers

A police officer might be called a policeman, policewoman, police agent, or cop. Most people are familiar with some of those expressions. Regardless of a person's rank, “police officer” is the general term used in most countries.

The Word “Cop” Is Not About Copper Badges or Buttons

Because police officers wear copper badges, some people have theorized that this is why they are called cops. That might make sense, but since most badges aren't made of copper anymore, it can't be true. Instead, their badges are usually silver.

Another theory cited the officers' practice of carrying a tiny piece of copper metal in their palms. This usage of “copper” got shortened to “cop.” The first documented use of the term copper for a police officer was in 1846.

The word “copper” was first used as a colloquial term for a police officer in England. It was used to describe criminal abuse. The word “copper” originally meant “someone who captures” in Britain. Even the police themselves thought it was extremely disparaging. The word is so disparaging that it is now illegal to use it there.

The slang term “cop” is considered impolite. Typically, police officers are referred to as cops by criminals or bad boys who are afraid of being apprehended by the police. Today, police themselves have accepted and use the word for themselves.

Other Theologies

A more reasonable theory is that the word “cop” comes from the Anglo-Saxon verb for “catch, grab, or capture.” It is derived from a noun that dates back to the 1100s.

Some sources document that the verb “cop” was used to mean “arrest.” In 1844, the word had come to refer to a law officer.

Acceptable Origin of the Word “Cop”

The word “cop” doesn’t refer to the metal various police badges or shields that police carry. It does not refer to a copper pipe they carry in their hands. It's a misconception that the term “cop” originates from the copper buttons found on police uniforms.

In 1844, “cop” was a verb meaning “to take, to seize, to arrest, or to take into police custody.” It is another noun for the police doing these things. In 1846, police officers were called “coppers.” It was shortened from “copper” in 1859 to “cop,” a term that is still used today.

Other Names for a Police Officer

Many slang words are used for the police. A lot of them are considered derogatory or offensive. “Cop” is the most popular and widely accepted. The primary users are criminals, prisoners, and the public, even though police officers use it regularly.

There are other derogatory names for a police officer. The word “pig” is one of the worst. It is negative, demeaning, and derogatory, with its origin dating back to the 19th century.

The Word “Policemen” Shouldn't Be Used

The term “policeman” or “policemen” is no longer appropriate because of the large number of female officers. The word “police” can be either masculine or feminine.

Also, the word “police” can be either singular or plural. It takes a plural verb, such as “The police are coming.”