General
bear
What does bear mean?
Catch-all CB term for law enforcement. Spawns a whole bestiary: 'plain bear' (unmarked car), 'bear in the air' (police helicopter or spotter plane), 'bear bite' (speeding ticket), 'bear cave' (police station), 'mama bear' (female officer), 'baby bear' (rookie).
"Bear in the air at the 112, watch your hammer."
Origin
CB usage piggybacks on 'Smokey Bear' — once troopers were Smokeys, all cops became bears by extension. Took off during the 1970s CB boom alongside the 55 mph national speed limit.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a bear and an otter?
Both are hairy. A bear is bigger and burlier; an otter is slimmer and leaner.
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