What Does Smokeshow Mean? Plus, How to Use It

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Decoding this slang term & whether it’s a compliment

Co-authored by Devin McSween Reviewed by Candace Gasper

Last Updated: June 27, 2024 Fact Checked

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• Smokeshow Meaning
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• Using Smokeshow
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• When to Use Smokeshow
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• Is smokeshow a compliment?
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• Smokeshow Origins
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• Similar Terms to Smokeshow

|Show more |Show less

“Smokeshow” is a slang phrase that describes someone who is super attractive. If you want to learn more about this flirty term, keep reading. We’ll explain how to use “smokeshow,” whether it’s considered a compliment, and where it comes from!

Smokeshow Definition

“Smokeshow” is slang for someone who is very physically attractive; it’s another way to say that they’re hot. This informal phrase is typically seen as a compliment and is used as a way to admire someone’s appearance. However, some may see it as rude or objectifying.

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Section 1 of 6:

The Meaning of Smokeshow

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1. 
   “Smokeshow” is a slang term that means someone is attractive. When you hear someone call another person a “smokeshow,” they’re saying that they’re a 10/10 on the attractiveness scale and ooze sex appeal. Basically, saying that someone is a smokeshow means they’re so physically attractive, imaginary smoke is coming off of them!

   • “Jasmine is a total smokeshow. She’s so hot, I have to get her number.”
   • “Luis is the hottest guy I’ve ever seen. What a smokeshow.”
   • While it’s more common to describe a woman as a “smokeshow,” anyone of any gender can be one!
   • “Smokeshow” is sometimes written as “smoke show.”
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Section 2 of 6:

How to Use Smokeshow

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1. 
   1
   Admire and flirt with your date after getting to know them. When you and a new date are comfortable with each other, tell them that they’re a smokeshow so they know just how into them you are. This can be a bold and flirty way to communicate your attraction and create sexual tension in your relationship.

   • “That shirt looks incredible on you. I’ve got to admit, you’re a smokeshow.”
   • “I couldn’t take my eyes off you last night. You’re a smokeshow.”
   • Note: Because “smokeshow” suggests you’re sexually attracted to someone, your date might see it as a rude or unwanted advance if you don’t know each other well.
2. 
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   Compliment your romantic partner’s appearance. When your significant other is rocking a hot outfit or is just looking particularly sexy, tell them they’re a total smokeshow. Letting them know you like what you see can make them feel good and build physical intimacy!

   • “Wow, babe, you’re a smokeshow. You look so sexy in that suit.”
   • “I can’t believe I’m with a total smokeshow. You’re a 10/10.”
3. 
   3
   Boost your friends’ confidence when they look incredible. “Smokeshow” doesn’t always have to be romantic! If one of your pals is showing off a new outfit or hairstyle, tell them that they’re a smokeshow so they know they look good.

   • “You’re a smokeshow with that new haircut, Maya! Everyone’s going to want your number tonight!”
   • “Way to show us up, Jun! You’re a smokeshow in that fit.”
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Section 3 of 6:

When to Use Smokeshow

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1. 
   Use “smokeshow” in casual and flirty situations. “Smokeshow” is a slang term that’s used to admire someone’s physical appearance, so it’s generally considered inappropriate to say it in formal situations. Stick to using it in casual conversations with your partner, close friends, or dates instead of in the workplace or around colleagues.

Section 4 of 6:

Is smokeshow a compliment?

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1. 
   “Smokeshow” is intended as a compliment, but some may find it rude. Telling someone that they’re a smokeshow is usually seen as a flirty way to admire their appearance or let them know that you find them super attractive. While some people may find this term flattering, others might see it as objectifying or disrespectful because it only focuses on their looks.

   • Reflect on your relationship with the person and if they’re comfortable with compliments about their appearance before telling them they’re a smokeshow.
   • Stick to complimenting someone’s personality or skills if you’re not sure they’re comfortable with compliments about their appearance.
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Section 5 of 6:

The Origins of Smokeshow

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1. 
   “Smokeshow” started gaining online popularity in the early 2000s. While “smokeshow” may have been used earlier, its first online appearance was on Urban Dictionary in 2003. The website Barstool Sports helped the term gain popularity due to their “Smokeshow of the Day” page, which featured attractive women across the United States.

   • “Smokeshow” may have been used as far back as the 1920s. It might refer to how attractive women looked when they smoked cigars, which wasn’t legal in the US at the time.
   • “Smokeshow” might have originated from a hockey term, which specifically describes an attractive hockey fan.

Section 6 of 6:

Similar Terms to Smokeshow

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1. 
   “Bombshell,” “babe,” and “hottie” also refer to someone attractive. There are lots of phrases to compliment someone’s appearance or let them know you find them attractive, like:

   • You’re hot.
   • You’re a bombshell.
   • You’re such a babe.
   • You’re a hottie.
   • You’re smoking hot.
   • You’re sexy.
   • You’re a snack.
   • You’re a dreamboat.
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Tips

• While less common, smoke show can also refer to a literal “show” or appearance of smoke. For instance, car enthusiasts often purposely burn out their tires to create smoke, which they call a smoke show.
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• In rare cases, smokeshow might relate to the phrase “smoke and mirrors.” This refers to something that is trying to trick you or hide the truth from you. So, you might say that someone is a smokeshow if they act nice to your face but gossip about you behind your back.
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