In this reference, you will learn the meaning of the slang term “cop” and how it is used in everyday English. The word is most commonly used to mean a police officer, but it can also work as a verb meaning to get, buy, catch, or admit something, depending on the context.
You will also find examples, related terms, usage notes, and safer alternatives so you can understand the word clearly and use it appropriately.
“Cop” Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- “Cop” is an informal word for a police officer.
- As a verb, “cop” can mean to get, buy, catch, or receive something.
- Some phrases with “cop”, such as “cop out” or “cop a plea”, have special meanings.
- The word is common in casual speech, media, music, and everyday conversation, but “police officer” is better in formal writing.
What Does “Cop” Mean?
“Cop” is an informal English word that most often means a police officer.
- There is a cop standing near the school.
- A cop pulled the car over for speeding.
The word can also be used as a verb. In informal English, “to cop” can mean to get, buy, receive, catch, or take something.
- I want to cop a new pair of shoes this weekend.
- He managed to cop a ticket for the concert.
- She copped first prize in the competition.
Because the meaning changes depending on the phrase, it is important to look at the full sentence when you see or hear the word “cop.”
Origin of “Cop”
The word “cop” has been used in English for a long time. One explanation connects it to older words meaning to seize, grab, take, or capture. This helps explain why “cop” can be used as a verb meaning to get, catch, or take something.
Over time, the word also became a common informal term for a police officer. Today, this meaning is widely understood in both American and British English.
Common Meanings of “Cop”
1. Cop = Police Officer
This is the most common meaning for many English learners. In this sense, “cop” is a casual word for a police officer.
- A cop was directing traffic after the accident.
- Someone called the cops when they heard the alarm.
Usage note: “Cop” is informal. In professional or formal writing, use “police officer” instead.
2. Cop = Get or Buy Something
In casual speech, especially in street slang, youth slang, fashion, and music, “cop” can mean to get or buy something.
- I’m going to cop those sneakers before they sell out.
- Did you cop the new game yet?
- She copped a great deal online.
3. Cop = Receive or Experience Something
In some varieties of English, “cop” can also mean to receive, experience, or be given something, often something unpleasant.
- He copped a lot of criticism for his decision.
- The team copped a heavy defeat.
4. Cop = Catch or Capture
Because “cop” is connected with the idea of catching or seizing, it can sometimes mean to catch, capture, or get hold of something.
- The police finally copped the suspect.
- He tried to cop a look at the answer sheet.
Common Phrases with “Cop”
Cop Out
“Cop out” means to avoid responsibility, back out of something, or choose an easy excuse instead of doing what you should do.
- Don’t cop out now. You promised to help.
- His answer felt like a cop-out.
Cop a Plea
“Cop a plea” is a legal expression. It means to agree to a plea deal, usually by admitting guilt to a lesser charge or accepting an agreement in court.
- The defendant decided to cop a plea.
Cop To Something
“Cop to something” means to admit something, especially something wrong or embarrassing.
- He finally copped to making the mistake.
- She wouldn’t cop to taking the last cookie.
How to Use “Cop” in Everyday English
Talking About Police
- I saw a cop near the train station.
- The cops arrived a few minutes later.
Talking About Buying or Getting Something
- I want to cop a new jacket for winter.
- He copped tickets to the show.
Talking About Avoiding Responsibility
- You said you would join us, so don’t cop out now.
- That excuse sounds like a cop-out.
Talking About Admitting Something
- She finally copped to breaking the glass.
- He refused to cop to the mistake.
Other Meanings of “Cop”
The meaning of “cop” depends heavily on context. Here are the main meanings to remember:
- A police officer: A cop stopped the car.
- To get or buy something: I copped a new phone.
- To receive or experience something: They copped a lot of criticism.
- To admit something: He copped to the mistake.
- To avoid responsibility: She copped out at the last minute.
Related Terms to “Cop”
- Police Officer: A formal term for a member of the police force.
- Officer: A common and respectful term for a police officer.
- Law Enforcement: A broader term for the system or people responsible for enforcing laws.
- Detective: A police officer who investigates crimes.
- Constable: A term often used in British English and some legal systems for a police officer.
- Bobby: British slang for a police officer.
- Five-O: Slang for the police, made popular by the TV show Hawaii Five-O.
- The Fuzz: An older informal slang term for the police.
- The Force: A collective term for a police department or police organization.
- Cop Car: An informal term for a police car.
- Squad Car: Another term for a police car, especially in American English.
- Narc: Short for a narcotics officer. It can also mean a person who informs on others, especially about drug-related activity.
- Pig: An offensive slang term for a police officer. This word is derogatory and should be avoided in respectful conversation.
Synonyms for “Cop”
Because “cop” has several meanings, the best synonym depends on the sentence.
When “cop” means police officer:
- police officer
- officer
- law enforcement officer
- constable
When “cop” means get or buy:
- get
- buy
- grab
- pick up
- obtain
When “cop out” means avoid responsibility:
- back out
- avoid
- evade
- dodge
- wimp out
When “cop to” means admit:
- admit
- confess
- own up to
- acknowledge
Examples of “Cop”
Example 1: Talking About a Police Officer
- Person A: Why is traffic moving so slowly?
- Person B: There’s a cop directing cars near the intersection.
Example 2: Talking About Buying Something
- Friend 1: Did you get the new sneakers?
- Friend 2: Yes, I copped them this morning before they sold out.
Example 3: Using “Cop Out”
- Friend 1: You’re still helping me with the project, right?
- Friend 2: I’m not sure I have time.
- Friend 1: Don’t cop out now. We already planned this together.
Example 4: Using “Cop To”
- Person A: Did Max admit he forgot the meeting?
- Person B: Yes, he finally copped to it.