Definition

Noun: * A cigarette. This is an informal, often humorous or slightly old-fashioned slang term that directly references the health risks of smoking by comparing a cigarette to a nail used in building a coffin.

Usage

This word is used as a countable noun to refer to a single cigarette. It carries a connotation of acknowledging the dangers of smoking. * He took a long drag on his coffin nail before stubbing it out. * "I'm trying to quit these coffin nails," she said, putting away the pack.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in a self-deprecating or wryly humorous way by smokers themselves, or by others to pointedly comment on the habit. It is less common in formal or medical contexts, where "cigarette" is standard.

Variants and Related Words

• Cigarette (n): The standard, neutral term for a roll of finely cut tobacco enclosed in paper.
• Smoke (n): A common informal synonym for a cigarette (e.g., "Can I bum a smoke?").
• Cancer stick (n): Another slang term with a similar negative connotation, emphasizing the link to disease.

Synonyms

• Cigarette
• Smoke (informal)
• Fag (UK informal)
• Cancer stick (slang)

Related Idioms

• To nail the coffin shut: While not a direct phrasal verb with "coffin nail," this related idiom means to be the final, decisive factor in causing something to end or fail. The imagery connects to the finality of closing a coffin.
  • The poor sales figures nailed the coffin shut on the failing product line.

Noun

1. finely ground tobacco wrapped in paper; for smoking