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SEMANTIC ENIGMASWhat is the origin of "the fuzz" (meaning police)?
Penny Rudd, Geneva Switzerland
It's just a jocular mispronunciation of "the force" - as in the police force, rather than "the force be with you".
Kevin McGrath, Harlow England
This was a 1960's hippy expression and it referred to hair or lack of it. Hippies had long hair whereas, by comparison, policemen had only fuzz. Hence the nickname.
Stephen Dedalus, Paisley Scotland
I'm afraid it's a rather rude reference to female generative organs.
mike woods, putney uk
If Mike's answer is correct, it brings a fascinating new meaning to the term 'caught by the fuzz'. Several fascinating new meanings, in fact.
Rob Redman, Brighton UK
nothing do with short & curlies then??
Henry, amsterdam holland
It's just the Feds, short for Federals
annie, aberdour scotland
I thought it was to do with their radio's, you know the sound they make when they are sending a message a sort of sqwaurk sound. makes sense to me!
