i've heard prince use the word "cop" in a couple songs and i've always wondered what it means ... get on top u will cop ??? huh??? cop a feel? like when a cop feels u up??? i dont get it it doesnt sound right is there some other meaning i am not getting or did prince just need a word that rhymes?

cop 2 (kp) Slang
tr.v. copped, cop·ping, cops
1. To take unlawfully or without permission; steal. See Synonyms at steal.
2.
a. To get hold of; gain or win: a show that copped four awards; copped a ticket to the game.
b. To take or catch: "copped a quick look at the gentleman in a caramel cashmere sport coat on the right" (Gail Sheehy).
Phrasal Verb:
cop out
To avoid fulfilling a commitment or responsibility; renege: copped out on my friends; copped out by ducking the issue.
Idiom:
cop a plea
To plead guilty to a lesser charge so as to avoid standing trial for a more serious charge.


http://www.thefreedictionary.com/cop

The slang word for policeman, "cop", is actually an abbreviation of "copper", someone who catches someone.
At least that´s what I always thought.In some places, they still call cops "coppers", I think in England...right?

KoolEaze said:

in england they call cops, "the filth", "pigs", and "bizzies". they stopped calling them "coppers", "rozzers" and "bobbies" when silent movies were replaced by talkies

unique said:

Really? I heard British rapper Silver Bullet from Ealing/London using that expression during an interview in 1989.
Thanks for the info though, I really appreciate it since I´m always keen on learning more about the English language.

KoolEaze said:

you know how long ago 1989 was right? he was sampling robocop as a retro movie. i doubt paul verhovan gave sample clearance either

anyways, rappers, especially uk rappers just make up their own shit to rhyme with anyways. probably a robbery and all that

It could mean several things slangwise:

To "steal", "take" or "buy" - depending how the term is used

Short term name for a police officer, at least in the U.S.

If "cop-out" is used, that usually reference "getting out of a situation"
or going back on one's word to get out of a situation

ok well that makes sense for alphabet street...

i'm gonna "cop" (catch) the first girl that i meet

but wha? i still dont get it in CREAM

cream get on top cream u will COP .... huh???? like what does that mean??

www.trevorayer.org

TrevorAyer said:

Eh?

You've used the well-known phrase "cop a feel" yourself there, so you must know what it means! To "cop" is to get something, just like another well-known phrase (particularly in the UK) "You're gonna cop it" - in other words, you're gonna get it!

And I really don't understand this "did Prince just need a word that rhymes?"? What is the point of that question? Doesn't anyone, songwriter or poet, choose specific words that both get the point across and rhyme?!

Again, bitchin' for bitchin's sake, with no thought or rational behind it - just what is your beef? (Sorry, is that another slang word that's going to require explanation? )

TrevorAyer said:

cop a feel...

If shes on top she gonna cop a feel off his weenus or vice versa

TrevorAyer said:

Cop the cream - ie....get the best! Or, as is usual with a Prince lyric, there's a double meaning - it could be "copping his cream" (take that as you will)

good question the word just fits there, but at the same time it seems awkward, on the edge of being just right

In this case, it's short for copulate.