Why are policemen called pigs

The crowd marched to OPOA headquarters and scattered severed pig heads wearing costume police uniform hats around the property. After a tense confrontation with police in the parking lot of their union hall, officers ordered the crowd to disperse citing an unlawful assembly was taking place. At least six arrests were made that night - the majority for charges of trespassing and unlawful assembly. Politicians denounced the event on social media with Gov. Our men and women in blue who put their lives on the line deserve our respect and support.

This is disgusting and vile. We are a law and order state and will work to stop anti-cop movements that want to defund the police. This means a brief dip into the field of etymology - the study of the history of words and their meanings—analyzing the historical development and context of the word pig as slang. Flash forward a hundred years and the word pig saw a resurgence in use for police in the late s. The term was used by protestors and event organizers during the Democratic National Convention and popularized in the media.

Filed under: Crime, police and the law Origin Stories. Why are the police called cops, pigs, or the fuzz? By Straight Dope Staff May 31, Share this story Share this on Facebook Share this on Twitter Share All sharing options Share All sharing options for: Why are the police called cops, pigs, or the fuzz?

Reddit Pocket Flipboard Email. Dear Straight Dope: Could you tell me more about the words fuzz, pigs, and cops and how they pertain to police?

This seems unlikely. This also seems improbable. How often do emergency vehicles get into accidents? Do fitness trackers pose a privacy risk? What laws apply to crimes committed in space? Thanks for signing up! Check your inbox for a welcome email.

Their perception was, of course, extraordinarily flawed, selfish, and immoral, but this is nonetheless where they got the term. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Enjoy this article? Articles Language. Sir Bobbie Peeler August 12, am. Travis February 8, pm. Richard March 18, am. Tremere May 11, pm. Edward R January 10, pm. Robert Brockway February 17, am. Michael Moore August 4, am. David Stephen January 23, pm. Dexter September 22, am. Pigs are wonderful creatures and should not be used in reference to coppers.

Craig January 11, am. Joseph Pedulla February 18, pm. Christopher Cross June 6, pm.