Why are cops called 12?
Asked by: Matilde Towne | Last update: September 26, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (68 votes)
The origin of calling cops “12” is unclear, but many people believe it stems from police radio codes. The code “10-12” is used to inform officers to be discreet since civilians may be nearby, which was shortened to “12” over time. Alternatively, people may refer to cops as “12” due to the popular TV show Adam-12.
What does 12 mean in slang?
Police are called 12 as a slang term. According to sources, 12 comes from the police radio code “10-12,” which means that visitors are present in the area where police are going. ...
What does code 12 mean police?
In some jurisdictions, police officers use radio codes to communicate. The code "10-12" is often used to signify that a law enforcement officer is present and in need of assistance. Over time, this code may have been shortened to "12" in everyday speech.
Why are police called 12 in urban dictionary?
If you ask Urban Dictionary, many folks have different definitions for the slang term and where it originated. It's used in the streets to give a quick heads up to friends and or civilians that police have arrived or they are on their way.
Why do thugs call police 12?
The origin of calling cops “12” is unclear, but many people believe it stems from police radio codes. The code “10-12” is used to inform officers to be discreet since civilians may be nearby, which was shortened to “12” over time. Alternatively, people may refer to cops as “12” due to the popular TV show Adam-12.
Why Cops Called 12? [Decoding the Meaning Behind The Term 12]
What is 6 in slang?
Slang. the area directly behind a person; back: Check your six—there's a hottie approaching. the area directly behind a person in motion; tail: The pilot had an enemy plane on his six.
What does "rip" stand for in NYPD?
Reduction In Pay: Used by supervisors as a disciplinary action to an officer who did something the supervisors did not approve of. “Officer Jones received a 3-week reduction-in-pay/RIP for missing the morning meeting.”
What does 50 stand for?
Five-O became a code on the street for police. It came on at 8:00PM at first, then bounced to 10:00PM, then settled on 9:00PM. Hawaii is the only state not to have a police force. This is ironic since Five-O now means police. Instead, the 5–O means 50, since Hawaii was the 50th state.
Why are cops called fuzz?
One theory is that “fuzz” may come from the sound of static over police radios. It may have also come from across the pond, where British police officers are known to wear somewhat fuzzy hats. Alternatively, it could be related to the short and fuzzy haircuts new officers have upon graduation from police academy.
Does 10/7 mean dead?
Often when an officer retires, a call to dispatch is made. The officer gives a 10-7 code (Out of service) and then a 10-42 code (ending tour of duty).
What is code number 12?
Also known as the "invalid transaction" code, a credit card error code 12 is given when the issuing bank does not accept a transaction.
What does acab mean?
The acronym ACAB stands for "All Cops Are Bastards" and is a slogan of long standing in the skinhead subculture. Because non-racist skinheads (including "traditional" skinheads and anti-racist skinheads) may use this acronym as well as racist skinheads, it should be carefully judged in the context in which it appears.
What does 1212 mean for girls?
Seeing repeating numbers like 12:12 often signifies alignment and synchronicity in your spiritual journey. This can be a reminder from the universe about your connection with your twin flame, indicating that you're on the right path.
Why are police called coppers?
The term "copper" was originally used in England as a slang word for a police officer. This term was used, however, as a term of abuse by criminals, especially petty street criminals. It was considered highly derogatory by the police themselves.
What does 23 mean in slang?
For some time past there has been going the rounds of the men about town the slang phrase "Twenty-three." The meaning attached to it is to "move on," "get out," "good-bye, glad you are gone," "your move" and so on.
Why are cops called Five-O?
Answer and Explanation: The term '5-0' comes from a popular detective show called Hawaii 5-0, so named because Hawaii is the 50th state. The show followed a police department in Hawaii and due to its popularity, the phrase 'five-oh' came to refer to police in general, not just in Hawaii.
What is code 8 police?
Code 8 Request cover/backup.
Why are police called rozzers?
Etymology: Origin unknown.
Various suggestions have been made as to the etymology of this word, including a shortening of the name of Sir Robert Peel (see peeler n. 3 and compare bobby n.), or derivation from either French rousse (1827) or roussin (1811), both in the sense 'policeman' and of unknown origin.
What is a DB in police terms?
DB - Dead Body. CIs - Confidential (or Criminal) Informants. KAs - Known Associates (thanks /u/alllen) R&I - Records and Identification (I misheard as RNI)
What does RA stand for in SWAT?
RA: Rescue ambulance, term used mostly in Southern California. Rabbit: A person who runs from police or the act of running.
Why do they call police one time?
However, the word is quite old-fashioned and is used much less nowadays, especially by younger people. Term used in many English-speaking countries, used because one looks at the police one time, so as not to attract attention.
What is $5 in slang?
Dollar amounts are all also referred to as bucks. A five-dollar note is known colloquially as a fin, a fiver, half a sawbuck. A ten-dollar note is known colloquially as a ten-spot, a dixie, a sawbuck, or a tenner. A one hundred-dollar note is known colloquially as a C-Note or a bill (e.g. $500 is 5 bills).
What does SKUX mean?
Skuxx. Adjective. 'Skux' is a means to describe someone that looks cool or has a lot of steez. But upon some very official research, 'skux' can also mean someone that is skilled in romantic attraction.
What is 6ix?
The 6ix, a nickname for Toronto, Ontario, Canada.