The dictionary suggests this phrase was first recorded from the early 20th Century, and probably came from the word ‘busy’ or ‘busybody’. Recorded uses include Mclure 1980: “Jesus, look at the busies, police officers are appearing from nowhere.”
Why do police get called busies?
UK, said to have been coined in Merseyside, as the police were always too “busy” to help citizens who reported low-level crimes such as house burglaries. An alternative origin is that the police are seen as “busybodies”, i.e., they ask too many questions and meddle in the affairs of others.
Why police are called bobbies?
Policemen became to be known as ” bobbies” after Robert Peel who set up the first organised police service in London, 1829. Bobby is short for Robert.
Why are British police called the fuzz?
This was a 1960’s hippy expression and it referred to hair or lack of it. Hippies had long hair whereas, by comparison, policemen had only fuzz. Hence the nickname.
Where does the term Rozzers come from?
ROZZERS means “Police.” ROZZERS is a long-standing slang term for the police, which derives from the late 1800s. The term is highly likely to have been coined in the time of Sir Robert Peel, who established the first police force in the area of Rossendale, Lancashire (hence ROZZERS).
What do British people call the cops?
bobby, slang term for a member of London’s Metropolitan Police derived from the name of Sir Robert Peel, who established the force in 1829. Police officers in London are also known as “peelers” for the same reason.
Why do truckers call cops Smokies?
The name was taken from “Smokey the Bear” for two reasons. If you notice the big rimmed hats the highway patrol wears, and the fact that they often hide in brush or wooded areas to catch you speeding. Smokey the Bear’s hat was very similar and he lived in the woods. Later shortened to “Smokies”.
What does 126 mean for cops?
Intercept suspects
Examples
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 126 | Intercept suspects |
| 127 | Proceed with caution |
| 128 | No siren, no flashing |
| 129 | Request back up |
Why are police called Woodentops?
The name woodentop is a colloquialism for beat policemen who traditionally wear helmets; the nickname is itself an allusion to the Children’s TV series The Woodentops.
What do the Irish call the police?
An Garda Síochána
The Republic of Ireland has one national civilian police force, called “An Garda Síochána”, meaning ‘Guardians of the Peace of Ireland’. It has 14,500 staff members and provides both local and national law enforcement services. It is commonly referred to as “Garda”.
Why is it called 12 for cops?
The DEA. The abbreviation DEA refers to The Drug Enforcement Administration. Cops get referred to as 12 which mean drug enforcement officers, especially the narcotics officers. The slang 12 is most used by drug smugglers to warn their clients or fellow peddlers of approaching police officers.
Why do they call the police Dibble?
Etymology 2
From the character of Officer Charlie Dibble, a New York Police Department officer, in the Hanna-Barbera cartoon series Top Cat (first broadcast in the US in 1961, and in the UK in 1962 under the title Boss Cat).
What is a gaffer in British police slang?
British Informal. a boss, supervisor, or manager.
What does Jimmy mean in UK slang?
(ˈdʒɪmɪ ) noun. Central Scotland slang. an informal term of address to a male stranger.
What do the Brits call a snitch?
In the British criminal world, police informants have been called “grasses” since the late 1930s, and the “super” prefix was coined by journalists in the early 1970s to describe those who witnessed against fellow criminals in a series of high-profile mass trials at the time.
What are Canadian cops called?
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is more than just Canada’s national police service. We have been part of the fabric of Canada since 1873 – almost 150 years. We are one of only a few police services recognized around the world for both our policing excellence and our image – the “Mountie”.
What are police called in Scotland?
Police Scotland is the single service responsible for policing in Scotland.
What does Rubber Duck mean in CB talk?
“Rubber Duck” – The first vehicle in a convoy.
Why does 50 mean cops?
The term originates from the 1960’s-70’s television show “Hawaii Five-0,” about an elite force of police in the 50’th state, hence 5-0. On the show the cops would announce themselves, saying “police, five o!” And from there the term became widely adopted as a way to announce the presence of police.
What is a rhino in police?
Unified Police Department
The Rhino is an armoured vehicle designed for SWAT use. It is based on the Lenco Bearcat , which is used by law enforcement agencies across the globe.
What does 402 mean in police?
Accident (vehicle moved) 402.