Dibble

Dibble (noun / UK Slang)

(Also heard as: The dibble, Dibble’s coming, Officer Dibble)

Definition:

Dibble is British slang for the police, especially in the North West of England. It is cheeky and a little derogatory, the sort of word used by people who like to poke fun at the law.

Where Dibble Comes From:

It comes from Officer Dibble, the long-suffering policeman in the cartoon Top Cat, who was always trying to catch the title character. The nickname took off in Britain, particularly in the North West, and stuck as a word for police.

How People Actually Use Dibble:

People say “watch out, it’s the dibble” or “the dibble are about”. It is used by teenagers and in regional speech. It appears in memes and rap lyrics as a jokey label for police.

Is Dibble Rude?

Mildly. It is disrespectful to police but more playful than abusive.

Examples in the Wild:

• “Dibble are sat outside the shop.”

  Meaning: The police are parked outside.

• “Keep it down, you will bring the dibble.”

  Meaning: Be quiet, or the police will come.

• “Dibble stopped us on the way home.”

  Meaning: The police pulled us over.

Similar Slang:

Rozzer, Five-O, Pig, Copper, Cop

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