What does this slang term mean?

Find definitions, authentic UK slang origins, meanings, and contextual sentence examples on Streetionary.

Plod Meaning - Streetionary

Plod (noun / UK Slang)

(Also heard as: PC Plod, Plods, Mr Plod)

Definition:

Plod is a British slang term for a police officer, usually used in a jokey or mildly mocking way. “PC Plod” suggests a slow, plodding, unimaginative constable.

Where Plod Comes From:

It comes from Mr Plod, the village policeman in Enid Blyton’s Noddy books of the late 1940s. The name came from the verb “plod”, meaning to walk heavily and slowly. It became a general nickname for police officers.

How People Actually Use Plod:

People say “call PC Plod” or “plod arrived an hour later”. Newspapers use it as a light-hearted word for police. It implies slowness or ineptitude, so police officers may find it slightly disrespectful.

Is Plod Rude?

Mildly. It is cheeky and mocking rather than abusive, but not a respectful word.

Examples in the Wild:

“PC Plod finally turned up.”
Meaning: The police eventually arrived.
“Don’t bother calling plod, they won’t come.”
Meaning: The police will not help.
“A couple of plods were standing at the corner.”
Meaning: A couple of police officers were there.