The word “bro” has a cornucopia of various definitions and connotations.
There are negative overtones, such that are seen in the definition on Urban Dictionary:
Obnoxious partying males who are often seen at college parties. When they aren’t making an ass of themselves they usually just stand around holding a red plastic cup waiting for something exciting to happen so they can scream something that demonstrates how much they enjoy partying. Nearly everyone in a fraternity is a bro but there are also many bros who are not in a fraternity. They often wear a rugby shirt and a baseball cap. It is not uncommon for them to have spiked hair with frosted tips.
However, Urban Dictionary also defines “bro” in a positive light, “Friend; commonly used in greetings,” and “Close friends; buds; pals.” Dictionary.com defines “bro” as “a male friend or buddy.”
It appears that this police officer identifies the word “bro” in the derogatory manner and takes quite a bit of umbrage when a motorist calls him such.
During a traffic stop, a driver calls the NYPD cop a “bro,” and absolutely means no disrespect by it, but it quickly angers the officer.
Motorist: “What do you mean bro?”
Cop: “Listen, do I look like a bro? I’m an officer, my name’s not bro.”
Motorist: “So why, I can’t call you bro?”
Cop: “No you can’t.”
Motorist: “I don’t have to call you officer.”
Cop: “Then know what, don’t call me nothing then.”
Motorist: “Damn, I’m not disrespecting you man.”
Cop: “Refer to me as officer not as bro.”
Motorist: “Okay, bro, but you don’t have to get mad.”
Earlier in the conversation, the officer did refer to the driver as “dude,” which I find more offensive than “bro,” but I may have some bias based on where I work.
It’s like the officer got offended that there was an insinuation that the civilian and him were of equal titles and it perturbed him that he was seen as superior.
C’mon officer, he didn’t call you “Brobo Cop” or “Osama Bro Laden,” he attempted to bond with you and called you “bro.” There are much, much worse names for a cop to be called than “bro,” especially in the current climate of police relations with the public.
Relax.
Bro.
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