‘12’ or ‘Pigs’ the History of Anti-Police Slang

April 05, 2025

West Palm Beach, Fl - If you’ve scrolled through social media, binge-watched TV shows, or tuned into podcasts recently, chances are you’ve stumbled across someone referring to the police as “12” or “pigs.” These terms pop up everywhere, from song lyrics to protest signs to casual chats, and they’ve been around for decades, still stirring the pot today. But where did they come from, and what do they reveal about society’s relationship with law enforcement?

From Farmyard Insult to Political Statement

Let’s kick things off with “pig,” a term most people recognize. While it might feel like a quintessentially American jab, its origins actually stretch back to England. “The insult goes back to 19th century England,” says cultural historian Dr. Lydia Markham. “It was used to describe someone greedy or morally lacking. Eventually, it narrowed in on the police.”

The term gained serious traction in the United States during the turbulent 1960s, a time of social upheaval and anti-establishment sentiment. Anti-Vietnam War protesters, in particular, latched onto “pig” as a go-to insult for law enforcement. One standout moment came in 1968 at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, when the Youth International Party paraded a literal pig named “Pigasus” as their mock presidential candidate. “When police moved in, the crowd shouted ‘pigs!’ and the cameras were rolling,” Markham recalls. “That moment stuck.”

From there, “pig” spread like wildfire through underground magazines, punk and hip-hop lyrics, and even into movies and video games, think "Fritz the Cat" or "Duke Nukem". It evolved from a simple insult into a cultural symbol. Some officers, though, have tried to flip the script. “We used to joke that it meant Pride, Integrity, Guts,” a retired officer shared with a chuckle.

The Black Panther Party took it a step further, giving “pig” a razor-sharp definition in their literature: “an ill-natured beast who has no respect for law and order, a foul traducer who's usually found masquerading as a victim on an unprovoked attack.” For them, it wasn’t just a taunt, it was a pointed critique of police, especially in marginalized communities.

What’s With “12”?

While “pig” has deep historical roots, “12” feels fresher and a bit more cryptic. “If you’ve been on Instagram, Facebook, or tuned into podcasts lately, you’ve probably heard someone yell ‘12!’ as a heads-up,” notes a host from the "Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast", a program broadcast on over 130 U.S. radio stations and available as a free online podcast.

So, what’s the deal with “12”? The leading theory ties it to police radio codes, specifically “10-12,” which signals that visitors are present or an officer isn’t alone. “So shouting ‘12’ was a street way to warn others that cops were nearby,” explains retired officer Ralston. Another possibility points to the 1960s TV series "Adam-12", which chronicled two LAPD officers. “It’s not hard to imagine the number stuck because of that show,” says pop culture expert Caroline Ortiz. “Every episode used the radio call sign ‘1-Adam-12.’ It became part of pop culture memory.”

Hip-hop culture has also played a big role in popularizing “12,” using it as both a warning and a badge of street cred. Some trace its roots to the Southern U.S., where narcotics units were supposedly nicknamed “12.” As Ortiz puts it, “Slang spreads not because it’s accurate, but because it helps people identify with a group. It’s about feeling like you belong.”

Regional Twists and Turns

Slang isn’t one-size-fits-all—it shifts by region. On the West Coast and in Hawaii, “Five-O” (inspired by "Hawaii Five-O") still holds strong. Elsewhere, you might hear “Po-Po,” “Knockers,” or “Johnny Law.” “‘12’ is way more common in Atlanta and other parts of the South,” Ralston observes. “But whatever the term, it tells you more about how people feel about the police than about any actual police code.”

Words That Hit Hard

For many officers, these labels are just background noise, but they’re not always shrugged off lightly. “Call me whatever you want,” says Officer Alicia Chen of the Oakland Police Department. “I know who I am. But it does make you wonder, what’s behind the choice to use a term like ‘pig’ or ‘12’? It’s not just slang. It’s a message.”

That message depends on who’s saying it. For some, it’s a protest against authority. For others, it’s just a phrase they picked up from a song or a meme. Either way, it’s worth a closer look. “Slang is powerful,” Dr. Markham adds. “It creates solidarity, yes, but it can also dehumanize. And when we reduce people to insults, we risk ignoring the real issues underneath.”

Want to Dig Deeper?

Curious about the culture and language swirling around law enforcement? The "Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast" is a great place to start. Catch it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or stream it free on their website. Follow them on Instagram or Facebook for updates and firsthand stories from officers on the beat.

Whether it’s “12,” “pigs,” or something else entirely, these words carry weight, and a whole lot of history.