The most common American slang terms for cigarette are “smoke” or “butt”. A cigaratte is also sometimes called a “stoge” in American slang. In rarer cases, a cigarette may also be referred to as a “cowboy killer”. Other general terms for cigarette may include a “cancer stick” or a “death stick”.
Cigarettes are clearly here to stay for the time being, though we now know more than ever about their negative effects.
Slang terms for cigarettes are, for the most part, terms that have been in use for a long time, but at the same time there are also new ones arising from time to time.
Let’s find out more.
American Slang For Cigarette
Bogey
“Bogey” is a lesser-known American slang term for a cigarette, sometimes used in casual conversation or pop culture. While it’s not as widespread as terms like “smoke” or “butt,” it has been heard in movies, music, and street slang. The origin is unclear, but it may have derived from the idea of something lingering or hanging around, much like cigarette smoke.
Examples in sentences:
- “Hey man, got a bogey I can borrow?”
- “He stepped outside for a quick bogey before the meeting.”
- “I used to smoke bogeys back in college, but I quit years ago.”
- “She flicked her bogey into the ashtray and took a sip of coffee.”
- “No bogeys in the car, I just got it cleaned!”
Butt
“Butt” is one of the most widely used American slang terms for a cigarette, particularly in certain regions like New England.
While most people associate “butt” with the end of a cigarette, in some areas, it’s used to refer to the entire cigarette.
The term has been around for decades and remains in use among smokers and non-smokers alike.
Examples in sentences:
- “Hey, can I bum a butt off you?”
- “He tossed his butt on the ground and stomped it out.”
- “I need to run to the store and grab a pack of butts.”
- “She flicked her butt into the ashtray before heading back inside.”
- “No smoking in here—take your butt outside!”
Cancer Stick
“Cancer stick” is a darkly humorous slang term used to refer to cigarettes, emphasizing their well-known health risks.
The term became popular as awareness of smoking-related diseases grew, especially lung cancer.
While often used in a joking manner, it carries a clear negative connotation and is commonly heard among both smokers and non-smokers.
Examples in sentences:
- “I’m trying to quit those cancer sticks, but it’s tough.”
- “He stepped outside for a quick cancer stick before the meeting.”
- “My doctor told me to ditch the cancer sticks if I want to stay healthy.”
- “She jokingly called his cigarettes ‘cancer sticks’ every time he lit one up.”
- “Those cancer sticks will catch up with you one day!”
Cowboy Killer
“Cowboy killer” is a term that typically refers to Marlboro Reds or other full-strength cigarettes, which have long been associated with the cowboy image in advertising.
The phrase suggests that these cigarettes are especially harsh and potent, making them more dangerous to one’s health.
Some also believe the term reflects the high smoking rates among cowboys and ranchers in the past, who often faced health issues due to heavy smoking.
Examples in sentences:
- “I used to smoke cowboy killers, but I switched to something lighter.”
- “He pulled out a pack of cowboy killers and lit up.”
- “You know those cowboy killers aren’t doing your lungs any favors, right?”
- “She joked that smoking cowboy killers was like inhaling fire.”
- “Back in the day, all the tough guys smoked cowboy killers.”
Dart
“Dart” is a term sometimes used for a cigarette, although it’s more commonly heard in the UK and parts of the U.S. It likely refers to the quick, sharp way in which a smoker might light up and take a drag. The slang has been around for decades and can be heard in both casual and even somewhat playful contexts. Though it’s not as universally known as “smoke,” “dart” has been around for quite some time and is often used among specific social circles.
Examples in sentences:
- “Got a dart? I need one before heading into the meeting.”
- “She asked if I had a dart to share, and I couldn’t say no.”
- “He stepped outside to light up a dart during his break.”
- “I was hoping for a dart to get through this stressful afternoon.”
- “They all had darts hanging from their lips during the lunch break.”
Death Stick
“Death stick” is a term that sarcastically emphasizes the dangers of smoking. The name plays on the well-documented health risks associated with cigarettes, particularly lung disease and cancer. While often used jokingly, the phrase serves as a blunt reminder of the risks involved in smoking. The term has also been popularized in pop culture, including its appearance in *Star Wars: Attack of the Clones*, where a character is told to “rethink his life” after asking for a “death stick.”
Examples in sentences:
- “Put down that death stick and go for a run instead.”
- “She calls cigarettes death sticks, but still smokes a pack a day.”
- “I quit smoking after realizing I was basically paying for death sticks.”
- “You want a death stick? I’ve got a fresh pack.”
- “My doctor told me to give up the death sticks or risk serious health issues.”
Heater
“Heater” is a popular slang term for a cigarette in some parts of the United States. It’s likely derived from the idea that lighting up a cigarette can “heat” up the smoker, giving them a moment of warmth and relaxation. The term has a more rugged, tough connotation, often used by smokers who want to convey the act of smoking as a more intense experience. The word is especially common in informal and social contexts, adding a certain edge to the act of smoking.
Examples in sentences:
- “You got a heater? I could really use one right now.”
- “He stepped outside for a quick heater before going back to work.”
- “I’ll take a heater, and make it quick. I need a break.”
- “The night was cold, but that heater really hit the spot.”
- “They all gathered around, lighting up heaters like it was a ritual.”
Smoke
“Smoke” is one of the most widely used slang terms for a cigarette in American English. It’s a straightforward reference to the visible smoke produced when a cigarette is lit. This term has been in use for well over a century and remains a go-to phrase for smokers and non-smokers alike. Whether asking for a cigarette or referring to smoking in general, “smoke” is a simple and widely understood term.
Examples in sentences:
- “Hey, got a smoke?”
- “I need to step outside for a smoke.”
- “She quit smoking last year, but she still misses having a smoke with her coffee.”
- “Can I bum a smoke off you?”
- “His jacket always smells like smoke after a night out.”
Square
“Square” is a lesser-known but still relevant slang term for a cigarette, particularly in American prison culture and among certain urban communities. The origin of the term is unclear, but it may relate to the cigarette’s rectangular packaging or its straight, uniform shape. While not as widespread as “smoke” or “butt,” “square” is still used by some smokers and can often be heard in movies and TV shows depicting prison life.
Examples in sentences:
- “Hey man, you got a square I can bum?”
- “He stepped outside for a quick square before the meeting.”
- “I used to smoke a pack of squares a day, but I finally quit.”
- “They trade squares for snacks in there.”
- “Back in the day, everyone smoked squares without a second thought.”
Stoge
“Stoge” is a shortened and modified version of “stogie,” a word that originally referred to long, inexpensive cigars smoked by wagon drivers in the 19th century. Over time, “stoge” became a slang term for cigarettes, particularly among younger smokers. While not as widely used as “smoke” or “butt,” it’s still recognized in certain circles, especially in casual conversation.
Examples in sentences:
- “Pass me a stoge, will you?”
- “He stepped outside for a quick stoge before heading back in.”
- “I ran out of stoges—mind if I grab one from you?”
- “She quit stoges last year, but she still misses them now and then.”
- “That brand makes the best stoges, hands down.”
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Founder -
@PollyWebster
Polly Webster is the founder of Foreign Lingo and a seasoned traveler with a decade of exploration under her belt.
Over the past 10 years, she has journeyed to numerous countries around the globe, immersing herself in diverse cultures, traditions, and languages.
Drawing from her rich experiences, Polly now writes insightful articles about travel, languages, traditions, and cultures, sharing her unique perspectives and invaluable tips with her readers.