Etymology:
The word "shamus" is derived from the Irish given name "Séamus," which is the Irish form of the Hebrew name "James."
Meaning and Origin:
In the mid-19th century, Irish immigrants to the United States began using the name "shamus" as a slang term for police detectives. This usage likely originated from the fact that many Irish immigrants found work as police officers in major cities like New York and Boston.
Over time, the term "shamus" came to be used more broadly to refer to any private detective, regardless of their ethnic background. It is often used in a humorous or affectionate way, and it can also be a derogatory term when used to stereotype or mock private investigators.
In popular culture, the term "shamus" has been used frequently in crime fiction, including the works of Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett, and Mickey Spillane. These authors often portrayed shamus characters as tough, cynical, and streetwise private detectives who operated outside the boundaries of the law.
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