smoke-room
Definition
- Noun:
- A room designated for smoking: "smoke-room" refers to a room, often in a public building, club, or private home, that is set apart for smoking tobacco. It is typically furnished with ashtrays and comfortable seating.
- A place for informal conversation: In a social context, especially among men, a "smoke-room" is also a space where relaxed, often informal or gossipy talk occurs.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The gentlemen retired to the smoke-room after dinner to enjoy their cigars. (A room specifically for smoking.)
- He overheard some interesting gossip in the smoke-room at the club. (A place for informal conversation.)
Advanced Usage
- "smoke-room talk": informal or gossipy conversation, typically among men, that occurs in a smoke-room setting. This phrase implies casual, sometimes private or off-color discussion.
- The politicians engaged in smoke-room talk about the upcoming election. (They had informal, confidential conversation.)
Variants and Related Words
- Smoking-room (n): a variant spelling of "smoke-room," with the same meaning.
- The smoking-room was filled with the aroma of pipe tobacco. (A room for smoking.)
- Smoke (n/v): the substance produced by burning tobacco, or the act of inhaling and exhaling this substance.
- He stepped outside for a quick smoke. (A cigarette or the act of smoking.)
Synonyms
- Smoking lounge: a room or area designed for smoking, often in airports or hotels.
- Smoking parlor: a historical term for a room in a house or club set aside for smoking.
Related Idioms
- "Smoke-filled room": a metaphorical term for a place where secret political deals or decisions are made, often involving a small group of influential people.
- The nomination was decided in a smoke-filled room, not by public vote. (A place of secret backroom negotiations.)
Phrasal Verbs
- Smoke out: to force someone out of hiding or to reveal something hidden, often using smoke or metaphorically through pressure.
- The police used tear gas to smoke out the suspects. (To force them out.)