# fag

/ˈfæɡ/ (US) · /fˈæɡ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fag
Updated: 2026-05-31

## Definition

a cigarette. In British English, this is a very common and casual way to talk about smoking.

For teachers: a cigarette. Primarily used in British English; distinct from the North American slur of the same spelling.

## Examples

- He went outside for a quick fag.
- After the long meeting, several colleagues gathered by the back door to share a fag and complain about the boss.
- The character is often depicted with a fag hanging from the corner of his mouth, a detail intended to signal his working-class roots and weary outlook.

## Usage notes

- Primarily British English. In North American English, this word is a highly offensive slur and should be used with extreme caution to avoid misunderstanding.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.