noun Uncommon

smokey

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Smokey (noun) means (slang, US) A police officer or state trooper, especially one watching for speeders. Example: “Truckers on the CB radio warned of a smokey ahead.”

noun

(slang, US) A police officer or state trooper, especially one watching for speeders.

"I was keeping an eye out for the smokeys who were no doubt hiding and waiting for unsuspecting tourists on the way in from Jacksonville." — Ben W. Thompson, M'Naghten Rules (2007)

"The middle position, or "rocking chair," is so called because the drivers in the middle don't have to worry about watching for smokeys." — Terry Cook, Vans and the Truckin' Life (1977)

"Well let me tell you why I came, Crash: I need something from you, tonight. I had a four-man team for a big grab, lost one to smokies. I came looking to replace him, if you're still a badass." — Nic Pizzolatto, 42:30 from the start (2014)

"Truckers on the CB radio warned of a smokey ahead."

How to use smokey

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishCB-radio slang for a police officer, especially a highway patrolman.

Common mistake

Not to be confused with the adjective "smoky" (full of smoke) — this "smokey" spelling is the slang noun.

When to use it

Dated trucker/CB-radio slang, mostly American.

Easily confused with

smoky →

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: smokies, smokeys

Test yourself on “smokey” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Truckers on the CB radio warned of a _____ ahead.

Etymology

Short for "Smokey Bear," the cartoon forest-ranger mascot, whose hat resembled those worn by highway patrol officers.

Rhymes for smokey

key hey bey dey ley grey they joey whey obey prey abbey

See all rhymes for smokey →

Frequently asked questions

What does “smokey” mean?

The word “smokey” means (slang, US) A police officer or state trooper, especially one watching for speeders. In plain terms, cB-radio slang for a police officer, especially a highway patrolman.

How do you use “smokey” in a sentence?

Here is “smokey” used in a sentence: “Truckers on the CB radio warned of a smokey ahead.”

What part of speech is “smokey”?

“Smokey” is a noun.

Is “smokey” a common word?

“Smokey” is an uncommon word in modern English.