Hstory of the term Pig

History of the term Pig. Why Do Some People Call Police “12” or “Pigs”? The History May Not Be What You Think. Where did those phrases actually come from? Are they simply slang terms passed around through music, movies, and social media? Or do they reveal something much deeper about protest culture, public perception, and the complicated relationship between law enforcement and parts of society?

The history behind these controversial terms is far more complex than many people realize.

Throughout history, slang has shaped how people talk about authority figures. Few nicknames for law enforcement have sparked more debate, controversy, and emotional reactions than “12” and “pigs.”

Some people use the terms casually without much thought. Others consider them deeply disrespectful. Still others view them as symbols connected to larger social and political movements.

Regardless of where someone stands, these words have become deeply embedded in American culture.

The Origins of “Pigs”

The term “pigs” actually dates back much farther than most people think.

Historians trace the insult to 19th century England, where the word “pig” was often used to describe someone viewed as corrupt, greedy, or morally questionable. Over time, the insult became increasingly associated with law enforcement officers.

But the phrase exploded into mainstream American culture during the turbulent 1960s.

As anti-war demonstrations, civil unrest, and political protests intensified across the United States, activists and counterculture groups frequently clashed with police during marches, riots, and demonstrations. During this period, the word “pigs” became a common insult directed at officers.

One of the most famous moments occurred during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Members of the Youth International Party, also known as the “Yippies,” famously introduced a pig named “Pigasus” as a mock presidential candidate during the protests. The bizarre demonstration drew national media attention. During confrontations with police, protestors reportedly shouted “pigs” at officers, helping spread the term across the country.

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From there, the phrase became deeply woven into American pop culture.

It appeared in underground newspapers, punk music, biker culture, anti-establishment movements, movies, rap lyrics, and eventually video games and internet culture.

Attempts to Reclaim the Word

Not everyone viewed the term negatively.

Over the years, some officers attempted to reclaim the phrase or reinterpret it in a more positive way. One commonly repeated saying among certain officers was:

“PIG stands for Pride, Integrity, and Guts.”

Whether taken seriously or humorously, the phrase reflected an effort by some in law enforcement to reject the insult and redefine it on their own terms.

The Mystery Behind “12”

The term “12” is even more mysterious.

Today, millions of people recognize the phrase from social media, hip-hop music, viral videos, and street culture. Someone yelling “12 coming!” usually means police are nearby.

But where did the term actually originate?

The truth is  nobody seems completely certain.

Some people believe it originated from the police radio code “10-12,” often associated with visitors or officers nearby.

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Others believe the phrase came from the classic television show Adam-12, which followed LAPD officers during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Still others believe the phrase emerged from southern street culture before spreading nationally through rap music and social media.

Interestingly, many regions of the country had entirely different slang terms for police.

In Baltimore, officers were often referred to as “5-0” or “Knockers.” In other cities, entirely different nicknames became common depending on local culture and history.

Many historians and cultural observers believe “12” likely evolved from a mixture of influences rather than one single source.

As one expert summarized:

“It’s probably a mix of everything.”

More Than Just Slang

This conversation goes far beyond simple nicknames.

Words like “12,” “5-0,” and “pigs” reflect deeper issues involving culture, authority, protest movements, distrust, identity, and personal experiences with law enforcement.

The language people use often reveals how they view institutions, power, and society itself.

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As one retired officer explained:

“You can call me what you want. I know who I am. But it does make you wonder what’s behind the words people choose.”

Whether people say “12,” “5-0,” “pigs,” or simply “the police,” these phrases carry decades of history and emotion behind them.

And in many ways, the debate surrounding those words continues to reflect the ongoing and often complicated relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

For more conversations about policing, crime, trauma, culture, and life behind the badge, follow the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast online at L.E.T. Radio Dot Com.

Sources and attributions referenced for this discussion include Boston Rare Maps, Noise Omaha, Wikipedia, WORLDCNEWS, and The Sun.