What does acab mean? History of the occurrence and meaning of the abbreviation

At all times, relations between citizens and law enforcement agencies were, to put it mildly, strained. Dissatisfaction with the executive authorities of people manifested in different ways. It is enough for some to throw two or three strong words about "policemen", and someone needs to write something offensive on the wall or a fence. And individually taken personalities make on their body a tattoo that reflects their attitude and outlook. In the environment of tattooists, a certain symbolic symbolism and abbreviations of established expressions are adopted. So...

What does acab mean?

Many, not knowing the true meaning, connected this word with the Arab countries, the activities of radical Muslim organizations. In fact, it's an abbreviation. It stands for all cops are bastards. In literal translation from English, this means "all cops - geeks" (or "bastards"). The acab tattoo was widespread in UK prisons. They applied it mainly to the phalanges of the fingers of the hand. It turned out one letter for each finger. Over time, the inscription acab began to be applied to other parts of the body - legs (kneecaps), back, chest, etc. Also this slogan was used during strikes by British miners. In the seventies of the twentieth century, the band The 4-Skins popularized this abbreviation, releasing the song of the same name. By the end of the nineties, this inscription on clothing or in the form of a tattoo could be seen in football fans, hooligans and street gang members, although not all of them knew what acab means. This word can also be found in various directions of subcultures: rappers, punks, anarchists and the like.

What does acab mean today?

Currently, this abbreviation can be said to have worldwide fame. In the countries of the former Soviet Union there is a variation on this theme: "all cops are goats". This phrase could also be seen at the prisoners of the times of the USSR. Very often this inscription can be found in the form of graffiti. It is worth noting that in the English version of such art on the walls "lives" longer than the Russian-language version. Communal workers do not rush to wash or paint over it. Perhaps the reason lies in simple ignorance: many still do not know what acab means. Or people just show tolerance for foreign symbolism.

Alternative Value

In our time, English is becoming more and more sublimated with the Russian language . Western culture is gradually assimilated with our traditions. This can be traced in the modern slang dialect, fashion, musical trends and Other cultural aspects. The phrase in question is actively disseminated and promoted among teenage subcultures. In Russia, for example, you can see clothes with this abbreviation. After the release of Stefano Solim's "ACAB" in 2012, it becomes even more popular. So, there was a new fashion for using this name. But, given local realities, enterprising people go to various tricks, coming up with alternative options for decryption. For example, "All cops are Beautiful" or "Always carry a Bible with me" (Always Carry A Bible). Perhaps, over time, there will be other variations on this topic. After all, the creativity of the Russian people does not hold!