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In this reference, you will explore the meaning of the slang term “cop.” It has been in use for a long time, and its meaning is not always clear to everyone. You’ll find a detailed explanation of what “cop” means, along with how it originated and its usage.
Additionally, the reference includes examples of conversations to show how the term “cop” is used in everyday dialogue. You’ll also find, related terms and synonyms that can be used in place of “cop” when needed.
“Cop” Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- “Cop” primarily means a police officer in informal usage. It can also be used as a verb meaning to catch or acquire something, like “cop a prize” or “cop a deal.” The term is common in everyday conversation and media, especially in the context of law enforcement or obtaining items.
What Does “Cop” Mean?
“Cop” is a slang term commonly used to refer to a police officer. The word can also be used as a verb meaning to obtain or acquire something, as in “to cop a ticket” or “to cop some food.”
In addition, “cop” can imply catching or capturing, such as in the phrase “cop the suspect.” It is widely understood in both British and American English and is often used in informal speech or writing.
Origin of “Cop”
This slang term has been used in the sense of the definition stated above since the early 1700s. It was derived from the Latin word “capere” which means “to seize, grab, take, or snatch.” In the 20th-century, the term began to be used as a verb in slang phrases such as “cop a feel” meaning “to grope or feel someone” which appeared for the first time in this sense in the 1930s. Other forms of the word and the accompanying meanings evolved thereafter.
Usage of “Cop”
Law Enforcement and Legal Contexts
- Police Officers and Law Enforcement Professionals: May use “cop” themselves or hear it in reference to their role. While the term is informal, it’s widely accepted within law enforcement circles as a casual way to refer to police officers.
- Example: “There’s a cop on the corner directing traffic.”
Everyday Conversations
- General Public: The term is commonly used by the public to refer to police officers. It’s seen as a casual or neutral way of talking about law enforcement.
- Example: “I saw a cop pull someone over on my way to work.”
Street and Slang Usage
- Street Culture: In some communities, “cop” is used in expressions related to obtaining or acquiring something, often in urban slang.
- Example: “I’m going to cop some new kicks this weekend.”
- Hip-Hop and Music Communities: Lyrics in rap and hip-hop often use “cop” to mean getting or acquiring items, from clothes to status symbols.
- Example: “I had to cop that new jacket—it’s too fresh.”
Youth and Peer Groups
- Teens and Young Adults: Use “cop” in everyday slang when talking about acquiring or getting something, such as fashion items or concert tickets.
- Example: “Did you cop the new game that came out yesterday?”
Idiomatic and Figurative Expressions
- Broader Community: Phrases like “cop out” (meaning to avoid responsibility or back out) and “cop a plea” (to agree to a plea deal) are recognized in both formal and informal settings.
- Example: “He didn’t want to do his share of the work, so he copped out.”
Negative or Critical Usage
- Protesters and Activists: The term “cop” can sometimes have a negative connotation when used by communities critical of police actions or authority. In such contexts, it might be used in discussions about policing policies or social issues.
- Example: “There were too many cops at the peaceful demonstration.”
British English
- UK Slang: “Cop” can also mean to catch or get hold of something, not just referring to law enforcement.
- Example: “He managed to cop a look at the secret document.”
Other Meanings
The term is also a nickname used to refer to law enforcement officers or police. It can also be used as a way to say that someone is going to give up or secede. Finally, the term can be used to say that you fully understand something.
Related Terms to “Cop”
- Police Officer: Formal version of “cop,” used in official or professional contexts.
- Officer: A common term referring to a member of the police force.
- Law Enforcement: A broader term that refers to the entire system or individuals responsible for upholding laws, including police officers.
- Detective: A police officer who investigates crimes, usually with a higher rank or specialized training.
- Constable: A term often used in British English for a police officer.
- Bobby: British slang for a police officer, named after Sir Robert Peel, who established the Metropolitan Police Force.
- Five-O: Slang term for police, popularized by the TV show “Hawaii Five-O.” Commonly used in urban and pop culture to refer to police presence.
- The Fuzz: A 1960s slang term for police, now somewhat dated but still recognized in some communities.
- The Force: A collective term used to describe a police department or law enforcement group.
- Badge: A symbol of authority worn by police officers; sometimes used to refer to the officers themselves, as in “a badge on the beat.”
- Blue: Refers to police officers, stemming from the traditional blue uniforms they wear. Phrases like “boys in blue” are commonly used.
- Cop Car: A vehicle used by the police, formally known as a patrol car or police cruiser.
- Squad Car: Another term for a police car, often used in the context of patrol and emergency response.
- Pig: A derogatory term used for police officers, often used by individuals critical of police actions or authority. Considered offensive and should be avoided in respectful conversation.
- Cop Out: An expression meaning to back out of a commitment or avoid responsibility.
- Cop a Feel: An idiomatic expression meaning to touch someone inappropriately or without permission. It has a negative connotation and is often used to imply unwanted or unwelcome contact.
- Cop Shop: Informal term for a police station.
- Narc: Short for “narcotics officer,” a police officer who specializes in drug enforcement. It can also be used as a verb, “to narc,” meaning to inform on someone (often with a negative connotation).
Synonyms for “Cop”
There are many other words that you could use in place of this term that are similar in meaning. Depending on the context that this term is being used, you could replace it with any of the following:
- grab
- wimp out
- take
Examples of “Cop”
A text message conversation taking place between two friends.
- Friend 1: You are still coming with me to help me confront Jamie tomorrow right?
- Friend 2: I don’t know if I really should.
- Friend 1: Oh come on! Don’t cop out on me now!
An online discussion between two Twitter users.
- User 1: PSA – Never try to cop a feel on a girl unless you ask permission first.
- User 2: OMG! You are such a creep!
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