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Discussion » Questions » Names » How did ciggerettes get to be called Fag's or Butts or any other slang term for them. What slang term are they called in your country ?

How did ciggerettes get to be called Fag's or Butts or any other slang term for them. What slang term are they called in your country ?

And how did that name come about ? 

Posted - September 11, 2018

Responses


  • 44618
    I here 'smokes' a lot. The reason is obvious.
      September 11, 2018 10:40 AM MDT
    3

  • 14795
    Because you have money to burn ...:( 
      September 11, 2018 12:00 PM MDT
    2

  • 44618
    Now, now. Don't judge.
      September 11, 2018 2:14 PM MDT
    2

  • 14795
    As if I would....I'm the Juggs not a Judge....:(
      September 11, 2018 3:44 PM MDT
    1

  • 1305

    It comes from the Navy when the useless fray end of rope was called the fag end. In cigarettes the filter is referred to as the butt or fag for the same reason it's useless,  but the whole cigarette ended up being called the name of the filter.  This is why people ask if can they "Bum a fag?" which is to share a cigarette and get most of the filter end, or to stick the filter in the mouth and make it wet. Other names for cigarettes are "smokes and stokies."

      September 11, 2018 11:20 AM MDT
    3

  • 14795
    I've heard of the names butt not the navy reason....
      September 11, 2018 11:54 AM MDT
    2

  • 520
    Some people I know call them squares. I haven't got a clue as to how they got that slang name. 
      September 11, 2018 11:40 AM MDT
    3

  • 14795
    I can't say as I've heard them called that before..
      September 11, 2018 11:56 AM MDT
    3

  • 520
    I know several who use that term. I don't get it.
      September 13, 2018 8:43 AM MDT
    0

  • 682
    Perhaps because they come in neat boxes? Squares sound neat and nice.
      September 13, 2018 9:10 AM MDT
    1

  • 520
    Could be. Sounds reasonable. :)
      September 17, 2018 10:44 AM MDT
    0

  • 2219
    Synecdoche. Coffin nails.  This post was edited by Malizz at September 13, 2018 12:13 PM MDT
      September 11, 2018 1:06 PM MDT
    4

  • 17596
    I don't know any slangs for them other than smokes.
      September 11, 2018 1:50 PM MDT
    2

  • 4624
    One of three meanings of "butt", when used as a noun = the end of something, usually a tool or weapon.
    Also the blunt or square end of a piece of wood eg a butt joint in carpentry.


    "Fag" is an abbreviation of the almost obsolescent word "faggot" meaning stick or a bit of kindling for a fire.
      September 11, 2018 3:01 PM MDT
    2

  • 34282
    Cancer sticks. 
    Chokes. 
      September 11, 2018 3:19 PM MDT
    5

  • 14795
    Cancer sticks I've heard in England....never chokes though...
      September 11, 2018 5:00 PM MDT
    3

  • I would have said cancer sticks, as well.  The name's origin is self explanatory. 
      September 12, 2018 1:54 PM MDT
    1

  • 1502
    The only slang term I‘ve heard is cancer sticks. The most accurate teram for the disgusting things. I’m happy where I live people can’t smoke indoors or within a certain distance of entrances. If other people want to speed up their deaths, that’s their choice. The rest of us have the right to inhale clean air and to not have to inhale second hand smoke.

    Unfortunatley here in America on of the words you used thsy is slang for cancer sticks in England is a homophobic slur against gays here. I realize to you and your country it isn’t. No harm and no foul by you. This post was edited by Rizz at September 11, 2018 6:19 PM MDT
      September 11, 2018 4:24 PM MDT
    2

  • 14795
    It means both in England...Gay and cigarettes ..  It's ok to talk about it as well...
      September 11, 2018 5:10 PM MDT
    1

  • 14795
    Fags were also very young first time boy  pupils at public boarding schools like Eton.....they were used as slaves and beaten by the fifth form older pupils....
      September 11, 2018 5:38 PM MDT
    1

  • 1502
    I find it strange how countries can speak the same language yet use different dialect and several words have different or more meanings. 
      September 11, 2018 5:39 PM MDT
    1

  • 14795
    God there must be thousand of words like that..
    You call the back and front of a car a trunk and a hood when the correct words to use are Boot and Bonnet 

    Our Queen would be horrified if she ever found out....:( 
      September 11, 2018 5:47 PM MDT
    1

  • 1502
    I often wonder if the British are disgusted with what us Americans have done to the English language. This post was edited by Rizz at September 11, 2018 6:04 PM MDT
      September 11, 2018 5:49 PM MDT
    1

  • 14795
    I don't fink we  care to be honest....as long as you can understand people...what does it matter....:) 
      September 11, 2018 6:09 PM MDT
    1