What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bobby
Example
The bobby helped the lost child find their way back home. [bobby: noun]
Example
The bobby patrolled the streets, ensuring the safety of the neighborhood. [bobby: noun]
policeman
Example
The policeman arrested the suspect and read them their rights. [policeman: noun]
Example
My cousin is training to become a policeman and serve the community. [policeman: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Policeman is more commonly used than bobby in everyday language, especially outside of the United Kingdom. Policeman is a standard term used to describe male police officers in various English-speaking countries.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bobby and policeman?
While bobby has a more informal and friendly connotation, policeman is a more formal term. Policeman is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, while bobby is typically used in casual conversations or when referring to the British police force.
