Used casually in everyday conversation, not typically in formal situations.

Colloquial Usage

It's a friendly and lightly respectful term for the police.

Respectful Tone

Although it says 'boys', the term refers to all police officers, regardless of gender.

Identify the team being referred to by their uniforms or branding.

Look for context, like a stadium or sports, to correctly understand the reference.

Understand this can also be casual talk among local sports supporters.

Refers specifically to Union troops in the Civil War, understanding context is vital.

Used in historical discussions or reenactments, less relevant today.