cop: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, Slang
Quick answer
What does “cop” mean?
A police officer.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A police officer.
To acquire, obtain, or catch something. To admit or acknowledge something negative (usually in 'cop to'). To receive or suffer something negative (e.g., 'cop a plea', 'cop it').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both noun (police) and verb ('cop to', 'cop it') senses are shared, but 'cop it' (UK: to be in trouble/reprimanded) is more common in British English. 'Cop a plea' is specifically American legal slang.
Connotations
Primarily informal. In the UK, 'copper' is a more traditional, slightly dated variant. In both regions, its use by civilians can be neutral or slightly negative; use by police is often internal or self-referential.
Frequency
Very high frequency in informal spoken language. 'Cop' as a noun is arguably more common in AmE, while 'copper' persists more in BrE.
Grammar
How to Use “cop” in a Sentence
cop [sth] (V + NP)cop to [sth] (V + PP)cop [sth] from [sb/sth] (V + NP + PP)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cop” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He copped a right telling-off from his mum.
- If you break that, you'll really cop it.
- I think I'll cop a few beers from the shop.
American English
- He finally copped to stealing the car.
- She copped an attitude when I asked her to leave.
- The defendant copped a plea to avoid a longer sentence.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- Not a standard adjectival use.
- Not a standard adjectival use.
American English
- Not a standard adjectival use.
- Not a standard adjectival use.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used (except in sociological studies of language/policing).
Everyday
Common in informal conversation and media (films, news) to refer to police.
Technical
Not used in formal legal or policing contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cop”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cop”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cop”
- Using 'cop' in formal writing (e.g., 'The cop arrested the suspect' - use 'officer').
- Using 'cop' as a respectful term when addressing an officer directly (they may find it disrespectful).
- Confusing 'cop out' (verb phrase) with 'cop-out' (noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal and can be perceived as disrespectful in certain contexts, especially when used directly to an officer or in formal settings. Many officers use it colloquially among themselves. Safer neutral terms are 'police officer' or 'officer'.
It is widely believed to derive from the verb 'to cop' meaning 'to seize or catch' (itself from Old French 'caper', to seize), or from the abbreviation 'C.O.P.' for 'Constable on Patrol'. The first theory is more accepted by etymologists.
'Cop' is the standard modern informal term, used widely. 'Copper' is slightly older, more traditional slang, now somewhat dated but still understood, and is more common in British English than American.
Yes, common verb uses include: 'cop an attitude' (adopt a defiant manner), 'cop a feel' (make an unwanted sexual touch), 'cop some Zs' (get some sleep), and 'cop to something' (confess or admit to it).
A police officer.
Cop is usually informal, slang in register.
Cop: in British English it is pronounced /kɒp/, and in American English it is pronounced /kɑːp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'good cop, bad cop' (interrogation tactic)”
- “'it's a fair cop' (BrE, admission of being caught)”
- “'cop out' (to avoid responsibility)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a police officer wearing a CAP. The word COP sounds like the first syllable of 'copper' (a metal used for badges) and 'CAP' (headgear).
Conceptual Metaphor
LAW IS A GAME / CRIME IS A SPORT: 'to cop' meaning to catch derives from the idea of catching a ball in a game. AUTHORITY IS PARENTAL: 'you'll cop it' parallels a child being told off by a parent.
Practice
Quiz
In British English, 'you'll cop it' most likely means: