Slang words for cigarettes have been around for decades and offer a unique way for smokers to connect with one another through a shared language. These words can create a sense of camaraderie among smokers, and provide an outlet for creativity and humor.
While the habit of smoking may have negative health consequences, the use of slang words for cigarettes can be seen as a small positive aspect in a habit that is often criticized. Let’s explore some of the most popular slang words that have been used to describe cigarettes throughout history.
20 slang words for cigarettes
1. Cancer Stick
- Meaning: (noun) A slang term for a cigarette, often used to emphasize the negative health effects of smoking.
- Example: My grandfather died of lung cancer after smoking cancer sticks for years.
- How To Use: You can use this term to suggest the negative impact of smoking on one’s health.
2. Butt
- Meaning: (noun) A slang term for a cigarette, specifically the part that is left over after smoking it.
- Example: I don’t want to see any cigarette butts on the ground, please dispose of them properly.
- How To Use: You can use this term to refer to a cigarette or to the part of cigarette that is discarded after smoking it.
3. Cancerette
- Meaning: (noun) A portmanteau of “cancer” and “cigarette,” used in the same way as cancer stick.
- Example: I can’t believe people still smoke cancerettes knowing the risks involved.
- How To Use: You can use this term to emphasize the link between smoking and cancer.
4. Square
- Meaning: (noun) A term for a traditional, non-filter cigarette, so called because of its square shape.
- Example: My grandfather used to smoke squares all the time, he never touched a filtered cigarette.
- How To Use: You can use this term to refer to non-filtered cigarettes.
5. Stogie
- Meaning: (noun) A slang term for a cigar, but sometimes used to refer to cigarettes as well.
- Example: I’m not a fan of smoking stogies, I prefer a good old-fashioned cigarette.
- How To Use: You can use this term to refer to either a cigar or cigarette, but it’s mostly associated with the former.
6. Fag
- Meaning: (noun) A derogatory term for a cigarette, primarily used in the UK and other English-speaking countries outside the United States.
- Example: Smoking fags is not only bad for your health, it’s also illegal in most public places.
- How To Use: Although this term is not considered appropriate in most contexts, you can use it informally to refer to cigarettes, especially in the UK.
7. Dart
- Meaning: (noun) A slang term for a cigarette, particularly one that is smoked quickly.
- Example: I’m just going outside for a quick dart, I’ll be back in a minute.
- How To Use: You can use this term to refer to a cigarette that is smoked quickly, often due to time constraints.
8. Cancer Stickie
- Meaning: (noun) Another portmanteau of “cancer” and “cigarette.”
- Example: I can’t believe people still smoke cancer stickies even though we know how dangerous they are.
- How To Use: This term is another way to emphasize the association between smoking and cancer.
9. Heater
- Meaning: (noun) A slang term for a cigarette, often used to describe the warming or heating sensation felt in the throat when smoking.
- Example: Whenever I smoke a heater, I feel like my lungs are on fire.
- How To Use: You can use this term to refer to a cigarette, emphasizing the physical sensations associated with smoking.
10. Smokes
- Meaning: (noun) A casual or generic term for cigarettes.
- Example: I’m trying to quit smokes, but it’s really hard to kick the habit.
- How To Use: You can use this term as a casual or generic way to refer to cigarettes.
11. Cancer Stickler
- Meaning: (noun) Another play on words with “cancer” and “cigarette,” similar to cancerette.
- Example: Smoking cancer sticklers is a surefire way to get cancer in the future.
- How To Use: You can use this term to emphasize the risks of smoking and the link to cancer.
12. Cig
- Meaning: (noun) A shortened version of the word “cigarette.”
- Example: Can I bum a cig off of you? I left mine at home.
- How To Use: You can use this term informally as a shortened version of “cigarette.”
13. Cancer Nail
- Meaning: (noun) Another portmanteau of “cancer” and “cigarette” that emphasizes the negative effects on one’s nails and fingers from smoking.
- Example: You can always tell a heavy smoker by the yellow stains on their fingers from holding cancer nails.
- How To Use: You can use this term to highlight the negative impact of smoking on one’s nails and fingers.
14. Puff
- Meaning: (noun) A term for a cigarette that emphasizes the act of inhaling smoke.
- Example: Let me just take one more puff before we head inside.
- How To Use: You can use this term to refer to a cigarette, but it’s specifically associated with the act of inhaling smoke.
15. Ciggie
- Meaning: (noun) Another informal or casual abbreviation of “cigarette.”
- Example: I’m going to step outside for a ciggie, does anyone want to join me?
- How To Use: You can use this term as a shortened or more casual way to refer to cigarettes.
16. Bogie
- Meaning: (noun) A slang term for a cigarette that originated among US Navy personnel during World War II.
- Example: Hey man, can I bum a bogie off of you?
- How To Use: You can use this term informally to refer to a cigarette, but it’s mostly associated with US Navy slang.
17. Smoke
- Meaning: (noun) Another generic or casual term for cigarettes.
- Example: You’ve been smoking too many smokes lately, it’s starting to affect your health.
- How To Use: You can use this term as a more casual or ambiguous way to refer to cigarettes.
18. Cancer Sticklet
- Meaning: (noun) A smaller or miniaturized version of a cancer stick.
- Example: I’m trying to quit smoking, so I’ve been carrying around these cancer sticklets in my bag as a temporary fix.
- How To Use: You can use this term to refer to smaller or miniaturized versions of cigarettes.
19. Ciggy Wiggy
- Meaning: (noun) A more playful or childish way to refer to a cigarette.
- Example: My little sister caught me smoking a ciggy wiggy behind the house and threatened to tell my mom.
- How To Use: You can use this term in a more light-hearted or humorous context to refer to a cigarette.
20. Cancer Wand
- Meaning: (noun) A slang term for a cigarette that is sometimes used in a humorous or sarcastic way.
- Example: Well, if you insist on destroying your lungs with cancer wands, I can’t stop you.
- How To Use: You can use this term as a slightly more irreverent way to refer to cigarettes, often with a hint of sarcasm or humor.