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twelve
01
the number 12, number twelve
Examples
My son reads twelve pages of his book every day.
Twelve
01
police, often used as a warning that officers are nearby
Slang
Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Inanimate
Composition
Simple
Uncountable
What does "twelve" mean in street slang?
The structure is a simple number used as a coded noun for police officers, especially as a warning that they are nearby. People typically shout "twelve!" when spotting police at parties, in crowds, or during illegal activities to alert others. The exact origin is uncertain. The most credible theory connects it to the police radio code 10-12, which means "visitors are present" or "people on scene;" making it a logical warning term.
Examples
Chill out; 12 is on the block.
