jtl (11/24/82)
someone suggested that the word "cop", referring to a
policeman, may (or may not) have been derived as an
acronym from the expression `constable on patrol`.
an alternative explanation for this slang term is
that cop, and its synonym copper, refer to the copper
buttons on a british bobby's overcoat, and derives
from london slang.
i know that this is a horribly mundane bit of trivia,
and i have no idea where i picked it up at, but i
couldn't resist posting it.
tom love harpo!hocse!jtl
houxi!hocsb!hocse!jtljrh (11/25/82)
Chambers Twentieth Century Dictionary (a British dictionary) gives the following entry for `cop': cop (slang) v.t. to capture, to catch. n(oun) a policemean: a capture. n. copper (slang) a policeman [Perhaps French caper, to seize, Latin capere captum, to take; cf Dutch kapen, to steal] Chambers is usually fairly accurate about these things. The term `bobby' to describe a Britich cop came from Sir Robert (Bobby) Peel, who was in charge of the first squads of policemen to patrol the London streets. They were really more of a vigilante group than officially sanctioned officers. Aren't words interesting things? John Hutchinson BTL Holmdel
jlw (11/26/82)
The term 'bobbies' referring to British Policemen is easily explained. The derivation is from the first name of (Sir) Robert Peel who in the 181?s, I believe, organized the first proper police force in Great Britain. As an alternative name they were also referred to as 'peelers'.
wildman (11/30/82)
Cop, (v) -- to steal, (slang) to catch (Archaic English Usage) 'nuff already!
mj (11/30/82)
#R:hocse:-11300:pur-ee:12900006:000:270
pur-ee!mj Nov 29 23:24:00 1982
It may be noted that the term "bobbies" in reference to police
is so archaic that English children often don't know what it
means!
________
Mark A. Johnson Purdue University decvax!pur-ee!mj
(317) 743-8443