Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

wzl46 t1_iy315rl wrote

Cop is a shortened version of copper. I read a long time ago that police had copper badges, so that is where the name originated. It could be completely wrong.

13

activ8r t1_iy367cw wrote

Kind of. I believe "cop" came first. Cop is an old word for "capture" (see common usage "that's a fair cop"). I believe "copper" would be the nickname as they are the "capturer".
Not 100% on this being the actual origin, but a quick Google search seems to corroborate it.

9

YessikZiiiq t1_iy3ay6f wrote

This is correct. The badge thing is a common myth.

4

readit2U t1_iy3r9cv wrote

I had heard it was short for an English phrase "constable on patrol "

1

piszkavas t1_iy38b1g wrote

Oh yes this is true, although copper alone is a nickname

0

Thugalug t1_iy33feg wrote

Cop is short for Constable of Police, thats where its from

−11

coredump3d t1_iy34rvj wrote

Are you sure? That sounds more like a backronym to me than an actual derivative streetword. From what i also heard, policemen used to wear copper badges or helmets (?) and the distinctive appear made them be called "cop" as a slang

5