Cops in Slang NYT: How the New York Times Crossword Puzzle Reflects Language Trends

May 2024 · 3 minute read

The New York Times crossword puzzle is one of the most popular and challenging word games in the world. It is also a source of linguistic insight, as it reflects the changes and trends in language usage over time. One of the clues that often appears in the puzzle is “Cops, in slang”, which has different answers depending on the date and context of the puzzle. In this article, we will explore some of the possible answers to this clue and what they reveal about the evolution of slang terms for police officers.

POPO: A Recent and Controversial Term

One of the most recent and controversial answers to the clue “Cops, in slang” is POPO, which appeared in the NYT crossword puzzle on July 22, 2020 and October 1, 2023. POPO is a term that originated in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and is often used by young people, especially in urban areas. According to Levels Answers, POPO is derived from the sound of police sirens or from an acronym for “People Oppressing People Often”. POPO is also a term that has been associated with anti-police sentiment and protests, especially after the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer in 2020. Some people consider POPO to be disrespectful and derogatory, while others see it as a way of expressing resistance and solidarity.

FIVE-O: A Classic Term from TV and Music

Another common answer to the clue “Cops, in slang” is FIVE-O, which appeared in the NYT crossword puzzle on March 8, 2019 and April 26, 2023. FIVE-O is a term that originated from the title of the popular TV show Hawaii Five-O, which ran from 1968 to 1980 and featured a fictional police unit in Hawaii. According to Daze Puzzle, FIVE-O became a slang term for police officers in general, especially among African American communities. FIVE-O was also popularized by rap and hip hop music, such as in the song “Sound of da Police” by KRS-One, which features the chorus “Woop-woop! That’s the sound of da police! That’s the sound of the beast!” FIVE-O is a term that can convey both fear and respect for the police, depending on the context and tone.

THE MAN: A Broad Term for Authority Figures

A more general answer to the clue “Cops, in slang” is THE MAN, which appeared in the NYT crossword puzzle on June 16, 2018 and January 10, 2023. THE MAN is a term that refers to any authority figure or institution that oppresses or exploits people, especially minorities and marginalized groups. According to Ranker, THE MAN can include not only police officers, but also politicians, corporations, bosses, teachers, parents, or anyone who has power over others. THE MAN is a term that expresses distrust and resentment towards those who control or limit people’s freedom and rights. THE MAN is also a term that can be used ironically or humorously, such as in the movie Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, where Dr. Evil says “I’m hip. I’m with it. I’m down with THE MAN.”

Conclusion: Cops in Slang NYT as a Window into Language and Culture

The clue “Cops, in slang” is one of the many examples of how the NYT crossword puzzle reflects language and culture trends over time. By looking at some of the possible answers to this clue, we can learn about how different groups of people use slang terms for police officers and what they imply about their attitudes and experiences. We can also see how these terms change and adapt to new contexts and situations. The NYT crossword puzzle is not only a fun and challenging game, but also a fascinating linguistic phenomenon that reveals a lot about our society and ourselves.

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