Bobbies is a term that is commonly used in British English to refer to police officers. The term has been in use for over 200 years and is still used today. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of bobbies, as well as its origin, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
Bobbies is a slang term for police officers in the United Kingdom. The term is believed to have originated in the early 19th century and is still in use today. The term is often used affectionately to refer to police officers who are seen as friendly and approachable.
Origin
The term bobbies is believed to have originated from the name of Sir Robert Peel, who was the founder of the modern police force in the UK. Peel’s police force was known as the Metropolitan Police, and its officers were called “Peelers” or “Bobbies” after their founder.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Oxford English Dictionary, the term bobbies is defined as “a colloquial term for a police officer, especially one who is friendly and approachable.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines bobbies as “British police officers who walk around the streets, especially in towns and cities, and whose job is to help people and prevent crime.”
Associations
Bobbies are often associated with the traditional image of the British police officer, with their distinctive uniform and helmet. They are also associated with community policing, where officers are encouraged to build relationships with the local community and help prevent crime.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for bobbies, including cops, constables, and police officers. These terms are all used to refer to law enforcement officers in the UK and other English-speaking countries.
Antonyms
The antonyms of bobbies would be criminals or lawbreakers. These are people who are on the opposite side of the law and are often pursued by the police.
The same root words
The term bobbies is derived from the name of Sir Robert Peel, who was the founder of the modern police force in the UK. The word “police” also has the same root word, which is the Greek word “polis,” meaning city.
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences using the term bobbies:
- The bobbies on the beat are always friendly and helpful.
- I saw two bobbies chasing a thief down the street.
- The bobbies were called to the scene of the accident to help direct traffic.
- The bobbies in this town are known for their community policing efforts.
- The bobbies were able to apprehend the suspect thanks to a tip from a local resident.