Sunday, 15 February 2009

What have I been doing today?

I have relaxed until tonight.

Whilst leaving my husband downstairs to watch a recording of his favourite programme of Top Gear I heard him mention the word "Rozzers". This got me thinking why are police referred to as this.

I then did a search on the internet.

Some people thing it comes from the French word Roussain which the French police get referred as. Others believe it has origins from Robert Peel and a certain part of London hence the term Rozzers.

This made me look up other slang terms for the police and bacon appeared hence the reason for the term "pigs". I smell bacon was used to refer to the presence on an inspector on the prowl.

Bobbies on the beat also refers to Robert Peel.

Smokey comes from a reference to certain hats that american police wore hence the name of the film "Smokey and the Bandit".

It is surprising what you find out when you put your mind to it.

1 comment:

  1. Very interesting information. I never knew where the term "Smokey and the Bandit" or "Pigs" derived from. And I've never heard the the term "Rozzers", but that's because I'm American.

    Thanks for sharing. I can't wait to tell my friends!

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