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From: kay@warwick.UUCP (Kay Dekker)
Newsgroups: net.movies,net.games.trivia
Subject: Re: Witch question
Message-ID: <2287@flame.warwick.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 8-Jul-85 13:59:38 EDT
Article-I.D.: flame.2287
Posted: Mon Jul  8 13:59:38 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 11-Jul-85 20:33:45 EDT
References: <767@burl.UUCP> <903@mtgzz.UUCP>
Reply-To: kay@warwick.UUCP (Kay Dekker)
Organization: VLSI Group, Warwick University, UK
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In article <903@mtgzz.UUCP> leeper@mtgzz.UUCP (m.r.leeper) writes:
>
>She says "It's a fair cop."  I think in the crunchy frog sketch someone
>also says "It's a fair cop."  The phrase may be a Britishism.  Sort of
>like "live long and prosper" is an Americanism.  It may be the modern
>equivalent of "bobs your uncle."  On the other hand it may be just a
>Pythonism.  Someone out there know more about this particular phrase.
>

A phrase traditionally uttered by a "villain" apprehended by "the long arm of
the law".  Such a person would, of course, be attired in hooped black-and-white
jersey, with a flat cap and an eyemask, and carrying a bag labelled "SWAG" over
one shoulder.  A more complete form of the phrase is:
	It's a fair cop, Guv, I'll come quietly.
The meaning of the phrase is (roughly):
	Sir (or Madam), you and I are both professionals; I have been
	discovered in the execution of a crime by means both legal and
	above-board; therefore I shall cause you no trouble during the
	process of my arrest.

I am assured by my acquaintances in the police that the phrase is only heard
from the lips of those who have seen too many "Cops 'n Robbers" television
series.  No self-respecting criminal would *ever* utter such hackneyed tripe.

							Kay.


-- 
"In a world without rational structure, even the most bizarre events must
eventually take place."   -- Philip Avalon, "On the Resurrection of Reagan"
			
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