Cops, in slang

Sure, I’d be happy to help! ‘POPO’ is indeed a slang term used for the police. More specifically, it’s a term that originated in African American and Latino communities in the United States, and has since spread in usage across different regions and demographics.

The term is believed to have come from the idea of police officers being referred to as ‘popeyes’ in the early 1900s, which was then shortened over time to ‘POPO’. It can be used as both a singular and plural noun, as in “The POPO are here” or “I got pulled over by the POPO“. Some also associate the term with the sound of a police siren, which goes “PO-PO“.

It’s important to note that while the term can be used in a playful or humorous way by some, it can also be seen as derogatory or disrespectful by others, particularly those in law enforcement. As such, it’s always important to be mindful of one’s audience and context when using this and any other slang term.

I hope this explanation helps clarify the meaning and background of ‘POPO’ as it relates to the crossword clue. If you have any further questions or need further help, don’t hesitate to let me know!