Smoke-Eater; Smoke-Chewer
"Smoke-eaters" are firefighters, also known as New York's "Bravest." "Smoke-chewer" isn't used today, but the 1884 citation below is interesting.…
Restaurants/Bars/Coffeehouses/Food Stores
Smoke-Filled Room
Entry in progress -- B.P. Wikipedia: Smoke-filled roomIn U.S. political slang, a smoke-filled room is a secret political gathering or decision-making process. The phrase is generally used to…
Smoke-vide (smoke + sous-vide)
"Smoke-vide" (smoke + sous-vide) is a seemingly unlikely combination of cooking styles. The award-winning IQUE barbecue team of Andy Husbands -- also the chef/owner of Tremont 647 (647…
Smokeasy or Smoke-easy (smoke + speakeasy)
A "speakeasy" was a place where alcoholic drinks were illegally sold. The term "speakeasy" means that customers should inquire secretly about the illegal product;…
Smokeout (barbecue cookout/festival)
The term "smokeout" usually refers to the American Cancer Society's "Great American Smokeout" -- a day when people are encouraged to give up smoking. The American Cancer…
Smokra (okra with smoked paprika brine)
In 2006, Rick Fields (founder of "Rick's Picks" pickles) introduced "Smokra" -- pickled okra with smoked paprika brine. The new product quickly became a favorite and has…
Smoky City (summary)
The Dictionary of Americanisms has 1853 for "Iron City" and 1850 for "Smoky City." "Steel City" would come in the 1890s. All are connected to the same industry and are…
Smonday (Sunday + Monday)
"Smonday" is a portmanteau of the words "Sunday" and "Monday." "Smonday: The moment when Sunday stops feeling like a Sunday and the anxiety of Monday kicks…
Smoothie (Smoothee, Smoothy)
A "smoothie" (or "smoothee" or "smoothy") was originally someone or something that is "smooth." The "You're an Old Smoothie" Broadway song…
Snaccident (snack + accident)
"Snaccident" (snack + accident) was entered in the Urban Dictionary on May 16, 2007, defined as "When food (a snack) is consumed in an accidental, often regrettable way." Rob…
Snackle Box or Snacklebox (snack + tackle box)
Entry in progress -- BP Wikipedia: Fishing tackleTackle boxesFishing tackle boxes have for many years been an essential part of the anglers equipment. Fishing tackle boxes were originally made of…
Snackrifice (snack + sacrifice)
"Snackrifice" (snack + sacrifice) is the sacrifice of a snack (because of dietary or other concerns). The term "snackrifice" was popularized in 2009 in a trademarked ad campaign…
Snackwave
"Snackwave" was coined by Hazel Cills and Gabrielle Noone, as explained in this tweet on December 15, 2013 from Cills: "last night @twelveoclocke and I coined 'snackwave'…
SNAFU (Situation Normal—All Fouled Up)
"SNAFU" is a World War II term that means "Situation Normal -- All Fouled Up." The actual term was probably "Situation Normal -- All Fucked Up." "That…
Snail (pastry)
Entry in progress -- B.P. Wikipedia: Pain aux raisinsPain aux raisins (French pronunciation: [pɛ̃ o ʁɛ.zɛ̃]) or escargot (French pronunciation: [ɛs.kaʁ.ɡo]) is a spiral pastry often…
Snake Hill Road (Richmond Hill Road, Staten Island)
A part of Richmond Hill Road (from LaTourette Golf Course to Arthur Kill Road and Historic Richmond Town) in Staten Island has been called "Snake Hill Road." The road has dangerous,…
Snake on Stilts (tall, thin person)
"Snake on stilts" is an old West term for a tall, thin person. Texas was known for its many snakes, and it's easy to see how it could color the cowboy's language. Old West…
Snake Poison (whiskey)
"Snake poison" was an 1800s nickname for whiskey. It's easy to see why. There was a rumor that the only antidote for a snake bite was whiskey, so all the cowboys stocked up. Texas…
Snakebit or Snake-bit (Snakebitten or Snake-bitten)
Entry in progress -- B.P. Merriam-Webster Online DictionaryMain Entry: snake·bit Pronunciation: \-ˌbit\Variant(s): or snake·bit·ten \-ˌbi-tən\Function: adjective Date: 1957: having or…
Snakehead
"Snakeheads" (or "snake heads") are people who traffic in illegal (usually Chinese) immigration. Many Chinese brought into America by "snakeheads" find themselves…