i read somewhere that cop" meant "police survivor" and it was an insult
2006-07-29 10:54:00 · 25 answers · asked by kisss_therain 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
For those who chimed in with "Constable On Patrol" this is the correct origin of the term, which emerged in England. Constable is a rank term which is used in England and thus carried over into the commonwealth and is used here in Canada also.
It is not derogatory or insulting. We refer to ourselves as cops or coppers. Some people are hesitant to use it. And any cop who gets bent outta shape over it clearly is a little too sensitive, doesn't understand it, or is on a power trip.
I'm a cop, and I couldn't be prouder to say it.
2006-07-29 16:45:23 · answer #1 · answered by Jim D 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Been a "cop" for over 20 years, and don't find it insulting at all. I have been called a number of things that were much more insulting over the years.
2006-07-29 13:14:59 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No they are not offended. They have been called much worse things. In England, way back in the day, police officers were called coppers....I'm not sure why. Cop is just a shortened version of that. Not offensive at all . Peace.
2006-07-29 15:20:27 · answer #3 · answered by frogspeaceflower 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The term COP means "Constable of Police", from England, its not offensive if you understand its meaning. Pig, on the other hand, is offensive to officers who try to do a very tough job. Some are pigs, most are not. I was not for 27 years, I'm retired now.
2006-07-29 11:00:32 · answer #4 · answered by rico3151 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
COP is an acronym for, "Constable on Patrol". Beginning in 1845, the NYPD were called "Coppers" because of the star shaped copper badges they wore. COP is not an insulting term ... At least not to me ... It's an honorable one.
2006-07-29 12:33:33 · answer #5 · answered by DocoMyster 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not in the United States anyway; nothing wrong with being called a cop. Fuzz and Pig on the other hand are fighting words :)
2006-07-29 10:57:18 · answer #6 · answered by netjr 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No it's not. Cop stands for "Constable On Patrol." That's not an insult since you are calling the officer a Constable.
2006-07-29 12:31:55 · answer #7 · answered by colostomybag4fun1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"COP" is slang for police officer. It comes from when the NYPD uniforms used to have copper buttons on them. The name stuck. Back in that time it may have been considered insulting, but I wouldn't think it is now.
2006-07-29 11:01:09 · answer #8 · answered by lachapelle221 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cop just stands for Constible on Partrol does it not? I geuss it would be insulting to an officer if he wasnt on patrol like he should and he thinks you're mocking him. He would probaly beat you with his stick for making fun of an officer.
2006-07-29 10:58:50 · answer #9 · answered by thebandgeek3 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, not an insult, especially since there is a popular tv show called "COPS".
2006-07-29 11:18:33 · answer #10 · answered by 420Linda 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋