What Is 'ACAB' And Why Are So Many People Saying It?

ACAB as a slang phrase has been in the common vernacular for literally decades. The phrase, which means All Cops Are Bastards, has been used in songs, memes, tattoos, signs, graffiti, and chants to denote the negative attitude towards the police experienced by people. Online, the phrase and it's alternate form 1312, used to signify each letter of the English alphabet in order 1A, 3C, 1A, 2B, have gained usage online in memes and bios of online profiles that are against police brutality or want to defund the police.

Where Does ACAB Come From?

While there are conflicting reports on the exact origins of ACAB, it is most understood to be used in a mainstream way in the early 1970s, with a 1972 British film using the phrase extensively negatively against police. Throughout the following decades, ACAB began to be used in music, as cops were often the ones who would shut down Punk music and counter-culture gatherings, culminating in rap music picking up the phrase and it being adopted by those opposed to the police and their percieved racist tendencies.

ACAB In Modern Times

With a continued push for community online and reflection of what happens in the real world, repeated racially charged events, such as the death of George Floyd have led to an increased usage of ACAB as well as BLM appearing online and in social media profiles as a way to denote anger and resentment towards the police. This is noticeably different from other expressions of hatred towards organizations, such as Glowie and their hatred of CIA/FBI, with a specific insistence being on cops.

For the full history of ACAB, be sure to check out our entry on the slang term here for even more information.