Smokings

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. The act or practice of inhaling and exhaling smoke from burning tobacco or other substances; the various styles or trends associated with smoking, including the attire worn during such activities; the process or manner of use of a smoking device, such as a pipe or cigar, often relating to social or cultural contexts
  2. The habit of taking in smoke through the mouth, commonly from cigarettes or pipes; the fashion or aesthetic linked to smoking culture, including specific clothing choices; the technique involved in the operation of various smoking apparatuses, often reflecting individual preferences
  3. The routine of drawing in smoke produced by burning tobacco or alternative materials; the lifestyle aspects and sartorial decisions related to the smoking community; the method of utilizing smoking instruments, which can have diverse interpretations based on context

Etymology: The plural form "smokings" derives from the singular "smoking," which in English often refers to a type of formal men's jacket known as a tuxedo or dinner jacket. This usage dates back to the mid-19th century, originating as a shortened form of the phrase "smoking jacket." The smoking jacket itself emerged in the 1850s as a comfortable garment worn by gentlemen while smoking indoors, designed to protect their clothing from tobacco ash and odors. It was typically a velvet or silk robe-like jacket, often richly decorated. The term "smoking jacket" reflects this original purpose, and over time, the word "smoking" alone came to denote the formal dinner jacket associated with elegant evening wear. The word "smoking" in this context entered English from French, where "smoking" is used to mean a tuxedo or dinner jacket, borrowed from the English phrase "smoking jacket." The French adoption likely occurred in the late 19th or early 20th century. The plural "smokings" thus refers to multiple such jackets or the concept of these formal garments collectively. In short, the plural form is a straightforward extension of the singular noun that traces back to a specific garment worn during smoking activities, which evolved into a symbol of formal fashion. The shift from a practical smoking accessory to a staple of elegant dress captures the social and cultural transformations of clothing in the Victorian and Edwardian eras.