At all times, relations between citizens and law enforcement agencies were, to put it mildly, strained. People expressed dissatisfaction with the executive authorities in different ways. It is enough for some to throw two or three strong words to the “policemen", and someone needs to write something offensive on the wall or fence. And individual individuals make a tattoo on their body that reflects their attitude and worldview. Among tattooists adopted a certain conditional symbolism and abbreviations of established expressions. So...
What does acab mean?
Many, not knowing the true meaning, associated this word with Arab countries, the activities of radical Muslim organizations. This is actually an abbreviation. It stands for all cops are bastards. In the literal translation from English, this means “all cops are geeks” (or “bastards”). Acab tattoo was widespread in UK prisons. It was applied mainly to the phalanges of the fingers . It turned out one letter for each finger. Over time, acab began to be applied to other parts of the body - legs (kneecaps), back, chest, etc. This slogan was also used by the British miners during strikes. In the seventies of the twentieth century, the group The 4-Skins popularized this abbreviation by releasing a song of the same name. By the end of the nineties, this inscription on clothes or in the form of a tattoo could be seen among football fans, hooligans and representatives of street gangs, although not all of them knew what acab means. Also, this word can be found in various directions of subcultures: rappers, punks, anarchists and the like.
What does acab mean today?
At present, this abbreviation can be said to have worldwide fame. In the countries of the former Soviet Union there is a variation on this topic: "all cops are goats." This phrase could also be seen among prisoners of the times of the USSR. Very often this inscription can be found in the form of graffiti. It is worth noting that in the English version, such art on the walls "lives" longer than the Russian version. Utilities are not in a hurry to wash or paint over it. Perhaps the reason lies in simple ignorance: many still do not know what acab means. Or, people simply show tolerance for foreign symbolism.
Alternative value
Nowadays, English is more and more sublimated with Russian. Western culture is gradually assimilating with our traditions. This can be seen in modern slang dialect, fashion, musical trends and
other cultural aspects. The phrase referred to in this article has actively spread and propagated among teenage subcultures. In Russia, for example, you can see clothes with this abbreviation. After the release of the 2012 film by Stefano Solima "ACAB", it becomes even more popular. So, a new fashion for the use of this name has appeared. But, given the local realities, enterprising people go to various tricks, coming up with alternative decryption options. For example, “All Cops Are Beautiful” or “Always Carry A Bible” (Always Carry A Bible). Perhaps, over time, other variations will appear on this subject. After all, the Russian people can’t be creative!