Street
grass
What does grass mean?
Slang for a police informer, derived from Cockney rhyming slang 'grasshopper' = copper.
"Nobody trusts him — everyone knows he's a grass."
Origin
From 'grasshopper' rhyming with 'copper'; 'grass' and 'to grass someone up' are now general British slang.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'grass' mean in British slang?
A 'grass' is a police informer or someone who tells on others; 'to grass someone up' means to inform on them.
Where does 'grass' meaning informer come from?
It derives from the Cockney rhyming slang 'grasshopper', which rhymes with 'copper' (a police officer).
Is calling someone a 'grass' an insult?
Yes — it's a strong insult in British culture, where informing on others is heavily frowned upon.
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