Why are policemen called "pharaohs"? Basic versions

The fact that in the United States, representatives of the local police are usually called "pharaohs," we learned back in the distant nineties. Then Hollywood thrillers and thrillers were a novelty. The audience literally absorbed every word spoken from the big screen.

Over time, much has changed, but the question of why police are called "pharaohs" is still open.

The Legacy of Ancient Egypt

There are several versions that can partly shed light on this puzzle. One of them is related to the external appearance of Egyptian rulers, which have much in common with what the representatives of the law today look like.

Let's see why the American police are called "pharaohs". Eastern masters had high headdresses, in their hands they held the rod of the ruler, and their bodies occupied a static position.

Just about the same look and American cops. On their heads, their raised caps are adorned. Instead of scepters, they have rubber truncheons. Yes, and on duty the employees are also motionless.

The Divine Beginning

The next version, explaining why police are called pharaohs, is connected with the notion of power. The priests were considered full-fledged rulers of their country. They represented the will of the gods, to which common people should obey unquestioningly. Possessed the mandate of the highest court.

The deputies argued over the fate and fate of the people of Egypt. They made decisions on detention, execution and pardon. Judge for yourself, all of the above is in part similar to the duties that are imposed on the shoulders of the current defenders of law and order in the United States.

Even in the story of Nicholas Nosov, describing the adventures of Dunno on the Moon, mention "pharaon" - there are guards.

Oddities of translation

By the way, there is a completely different opinion about the topic of why police are called "pharaohs".

Connoisseurs of English believe that this is the name of North American policemen only thanks to the initiative of translators who were engaged in scoring the first overseas blockbusters. In the original they are called "cops".

Myths and Misconceptions

Understanding the problem of why policemen are called "pharaohs", it is worth noting that in tsarist Russia law enforcement officers had nicknames.

The most common - the "cops". And all because on lapels the Petersburg policemen wore the image of a hunting dog.

There is an opinion that in the UK policemen are called "bobby". In fact, it is nothing more than a common stamp used by filmmakers.

Most often in the territory of English-speaking countries, policemen are called "cops". This word came from the English "cop". The slang name echoes the Russian "ment".