General
the filth
What does the filth mean?
The police, said with contempt. Common in the UK, Ireland and Australia, especially in working-class and criminal circles. Irvine Welsh used it for his Bruce Robertson novel — that's the energy.
"Don't say a word — the filth are listening."
Origin
20th-century British/Australian pejorative; popularised by criminal underworld usage.
Frequently asked questions
What does "the filth" mean?
It's pejorative slang for the police.
How do you use "the filth" in a sentence?
"Keep your voice down, the filth are parked right outside."
Is "the filth" rude?
Yes — it's a deliberately disrespectful term for the police, so it carries a hostile tone.
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