Cop (noun / verb / slang)
(Also heard as: Copped, Copping, Fair cop, Cop on)
Definition:
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Noun: A police officer.
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Verb: To buy, grab, get hold of, or catch something.
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Verb (British): To take the blame, catch a telling-off, or face the music (“cop the blame” / “cop it”).
Where It Comes From: Goes back hundreds of years to the northern English dialect word cap or cop, meaning to catch or seize hold of something. By the mid-1800s, British street slang started calling police officers “coppers” because their job was to “cop” (catch) thieves. In the 90s, US hip-hop and sneaker culture revived the verb, making “to cop” the standard phrase for bagging rare trainers and fresh clothes.
How People Actually Use It: Used as a noun whenever you spot a police patrol car or an officer on foot. As a verb, sneakerheads and streetwear fans use it every time a new drop lands online. In everyday British chat, you’ll also hear it when someone’s in massive trouble with their boss or partner and is about to “cop an earful.”
Examples in the Wild:
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“Slow down on this road, mate, there’s a cop car sitting behind the hedge.”
Translation: Drop your speed because the police are watching traffic.
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“Managed to cop those new trainers the second they dropped this morning.”
Translation: I successfully bought the limited-edition shoes before they sold out.
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“If your mum finds out you broke that window, you’re going to cop it.”
Translation: You’re in for a massive telling-off when she gets home.
Similar Slang: Copper, Fuzz, Old Bill, Snag, Bag, Grab, Score, Catch
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