Heard on Criminal Minds: unsub

Question

What is the meaning of unsub? It is clear through context that this is the criminal, but what does the word mean?

Muchas gracias

Answer 1

It's an acronym of "unknown subject of an investigation" (or an abbreviation?)

• Did you use the Urban Dict.? - 00515f39 Nov 8, 2009
• I confirm this reply. I'm an avid fan, This description has been given on the show. - Moe Nov 8, 2009
• I agree with Issabela. - --Mariana-- Nov 8, 2009
• Your English is great. - Seitheach Nov 8, 2009
• To tell you the truth, my searching skills are great, and English - in my opinion - quite good. - Issabela Nov 9, 2009
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Answer 2

Issabela, you are 2 for 2 in regards to Heidita's questions!! Sweet

• :D - Issabela Nov 8, 2009

Answer 3

I think 'unsab' is just trashy English. Many of the crime related TV shows use contraction like that. I guess they think it is more sophisticated.
This is just an opinion, feel free to criticize it.

Answer 4

It does seem like another version of Quick Speak (my term) where everything is getting abbreviated and made into contractions. Unsub would be jargon at best.

Answer 5

I think that these abbreviated words are used in special settings and are unique to those settings. For instance, police would use the term "vic" for victim. However, it is not a term the rest of us would use when referring to that word. The military also does this, although I would not attempt anything beyond MRE or meal ready to eat.

I think most professions use this sort of terminology. I see it in medicine and music from my stand point. I don't think it is anything more serious than that.