COP

Part of Speech

Noun, Verb (informal)

Pronunciation

/kɒp/ (noun), /kɒp/ (verb)

Definitions

• Noun: A police officer, often used informally or colloquially.
• Verb: To arrest or capture someone (informal use).

Usage Examples

• "The cop was quick to respond to the emergency call."
• "She got caught by the cop while speeding down the highway."
• "The thief was coped after the chase."
• "He copped a plea in court to avoid a longer sentence."

Etymology

The term "cop" originated in the early 19th century from the slang verb "to cop," meaning "to catch" or "to capture." It is believed to have evolved from the old French word "caper," meaning "to capture." The word "cop" became a colloquial term for a police officer, referring to their role in "catching" criminals. Over time, it has been widely used in both formal and informal contexts to describe law enforcement officers.

Synonyms

• Police officer
• Officer
• Detective
• Lawman
• Constable
• Patrolman

Antonyms

• Criminal
• Suspect
• Offender
• Lawbreaker
• Thief

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, "cop" is commonly used as a slang term for a police officer.
• In British English, "cop" is less frequently used, and terms like "constable" or "officer" are more common.
• In Australian English, "cop" is widely used, often in an informal or colloquial sense to refer to police officers.

Historical Usage

The use of "cop" to refer to a police officer first appeared in the early 19th century in the United States. The term originally came from the verb "to cop," meaning to catch or seize. As police officers were often tasked with apprehending criminals, the term became associated with law enforcement. "Cop" has since become widely accepted and used informally in many English-speaking countries.

Cultural Nuances

The term "cop" is widely used in popular culture, including films, television shows, and literature, often portraying police officers as characters who are integral to maintaining order in society. The term is commonly used in both positive and negative contexts, sometimes symbolizing authority and protection, and at other times, representing corruption or abuse of power. Despite its informal nature, "cop" is a widely recognized term across many English-speaking regions.

More Information

The word "cop" has evolved significantly from its slang origins to become a mainstream term in many English-speaking countries. Its use in reference to police officers has made it one of the most commonly recognized words in modern law enforcement terminology. While it is sometimes seen as a casual or colloquial term, it has retained its widespread popularity and is often used in both formal and informal contexts to describe the police force and its officers.