a.c.a.b., phr. — Green’s Dictionary of Slang

a.c.a.b. phr.

[abbr.; a popular tattoo in the UK, esp. among Hell’s Angels and other ‘outlaw’ groups]

all coppers are bastards.

1979		Slime [title] A.C.A.B. (All Cops are Bastards).
1982		The 4 Skins ‘ACAB’ 🎵 Hangin’ around with my mates one night / We got in a little fight / Geezer come with a knife in his fist / I got cut along with the rest, said – / ACAB ACAB ACAB / All cops are bastards.
1984		(ref. to 1945) Partridge DSUE (8th edn) 11/2: since, at latest, 1945.
2000		98 Mute 🌐 Plow: What is your favorite song on your album and briefly explain what the lyrics mean? Jason: A.C.A.B. Plow: What does that mean? Justin: All Coppers Are Bastards.
2020		Twitter 31 May 🌐 The only thing I can really get from talking to cops in the paddy wagon tonight is that at this point they’re just in a fucking cult [...] ACAB.