The police.
Old Bill
Example Sentences
"That's a proper Old Bill, that is."
"I've never seen such a Old Bill in all my life."
Etymology & History
British slang for police. Origin disputed - possibly WWI cartoon character or King William IV. 'The Old Bill's here!' warns of police arrival. Cockney and working-class. Spread widely. Very British police slang.
Word Details
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Region
London/Cockney
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Era
Modern
✓
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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