Old Bill

Old Bill (noun / UK Slang)

(Also heard as: The Old Bill, The Bill, Old Bill’s about)

Definition:

The Old Bill is a British slang name for the police, especially the Metropolitan Police in London. It is mildly irreverent but widely understood and not seen as offensive in the way some police slang is.

Where Old Bill Comes From:

The true origin is disputed. One popular story links it to a First World War cartoon soldier called Old Bill, whose moustache resembled those worn by many police officers. Others point to older sources, and none is certain. The long-running TV series The Bill kept the name familiar.

How People Actually Use Old Bill:

People say “leg it, it’s the Old Bill” or “the Old Bill turned up”. It is common in London and in crime fiction, and often used in a cheeky, knowing way by people who have had a brush with the law.

Is Old Bill Rude?

Not really. It is informal and slightly cheeky but not an insult like “pig” or “filth”.

Examples in the Wild:

• “Quick, leg it, the Old Bill is coming.”

  Meaning: Run, the police are on their way.

• “The Old Bill pulled us over on the way home.”

  Meaning: The police stopped us.

• “He has had a few run-ins with the Bill.”

  Meaning: He has been in trouble with the police.

Similar Slang:

Rozzer, Bobby, Copper, Cop, Five-O

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