Definition

1. Noun (slang, derogatory):
   • Cop; police officer: A colloquial and often disrespectful term for a police officer. It carries a negative connotation, implying suspicion, annoyance, or antagonism toward the police.
   • The police (as an entity): Used to refer to the police force in general, typically in contexts of avoidance or criticism.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Cẩn thận, có cớm đằng kia. (Be careful, there's a cop over there.)
  • Bọn cớm vừa ập vào quán bar. (The cops just raided the bar.)
  • Hắn sợ cớm lắm. (He is very afraid of the police.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is inherently informal and is primarily used in spoken language, narratives, or dialogues to convey a character's attitude. It is not used in formal or official contexts.

Variants and Related Words

• Công an (n): The standard, neutral term for police or security forces.

  • Công an đang làm nhiệm vụ. (The police are on duty.)

• Cảnh sát (n): The standard, neutral term for police, often specifically "police officer."

  • Cảnh sát giao thông (Traffic police)

Synonyms

• Cop (slang): A casual, often derogatory term for a police officer.
• Police officer (standard): The formal, neutral term.
• The fuzz (slang, archaic): An old slang term for the police.

Related Idioms and Expressions

• Chạy cớm: To run from or evade the police.

  • Tên trộm đang cố chạy cớm. (The thief is trying to run from the cops.)

• Mật thám, cớm (archaic): An older compound sometimes seen, meaning "secret agent" or "detective," emphasizing the covert or suspicious aspect.