smoko
Definition
- Noun (chiefly Australian and New Zealand informal):
- A short break from work: "smoko" refers to a brief period of rest, traditionally taken to smoke a cigarette, but now commonly used for any short pause during working hours, especially in manual or outdoor labour.
Usage Examples
- (They took a short rest break during their work shift.)
- (A brief pause to rest and recharge.)
Advanced Usage
- "Smoko break": a set time during the workday for a short rest.
- The boss allows two smoko breaks each day. (Two scheduled short breaks.)
Variants and Related Words
- Smoko (n): the break itself; also occasionally used as a verb (rare) meaning to take such a break.
- Smoko room: a designated area (often a shed or hut) where workers take their smoko breaks.
Synonyms
- Tea break: a short break for tea or coffee (more common in British English).
- Coffee break: a short rest for coffee (used in North America and elsewhere).
- Breath: a brief pause to rest or catch one's breath (informal).
Related Idioms
- "Smoko time": the scheduled period for a smoko break.
- It's smoko time — let's head to the shed. (It's time for the break.)
Notes on Usage
- "Smoko" is strongly associated with Australian and New Zealand English, particularly in rural, construction, or factory settings. It may be unfamiliar to speakers of other English varieties. The term originated from the practice of smoking tobacco during breaks, but today it does not necessarily imply smoking; it simply means a short rest.