# Bobby

/ˈbɑbi/ (US) · /bˈɒbi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bobby
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. a name

noun · CEFR A1 · Informal

a common short name or nickname for Robert.

For teachers: a common hypocorism or diminutive form of the male given name Robert.

- Everyone in the office calls him Bobby instead of Robert.
- The biography explores the early life of Bobby Kennedy, focusing on his relationship with his older brother during their formative years.

### 2. a police officer

noun · CEFR B2 · British English · Informal

a traditional word for a police officer in the UK.

For teachers: a colloquial term for a police officer, specifically within the context of British law enforcement.

- The tourist asked a friendly bobby for directions to the museum.
- The image of the British bobby on the beat remains a powerful cultural symbol, despite significant changes in modern policing methods.

Usage: Usually refers to a uniformed constable patrolling on foot.

Teaching tip: This term is somewhat old-fashioned but still widely understood; it is derived from Sir Robert Peel, who established the Metropolitan Police.

### 3. a young calf

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Dialect

a very young calf that is sold for meat.

For teachers: a calf that is slaughtered shortly after birth, typically within its first month of life.

- The farmer had to sell the bobby calves at the local market.
- The dairy industry faces ongoing scrutiny regarding the management and transport of bobby calves destined for processing.

Usage: Commonly used in agricultural contexts in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

## Examples

- I asked a friendly bobby for directions to the museum.
- The image of the local bobby patrolling the streets on foot remains a powerful symbol of British community policing.
- While modern law enforcement relies heavily on technology, the traditional bobby on the beat is still viewed by many as the gold standard for public trust.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.