A slang term for the Police. The term was popularized by a British television series of the same name.
Bill, The
Example Sentences
"That's a proper Bill, The, that is."
"I've never seen such a Bill, The in all my life."
Etymology & History
British slang for the police, possibly from 'Old Bill', military slang for a veteran soldier (from WWI), later applied to police. Alternatively, may come from the bil
l-like shape of early police helmets. Popularized by the long-running British police TV series 'The Bill' (1984-2010). Widely used in working-class London speech.
Word Details
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Region
London/Cockney
📅
Era
Modern
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Language
Mild
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Formality
Slang
Categories:
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Anglotopia's Dictionary of British English 2nd Edition
British Slang from A to Zed
By Jonathan Thomas
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