cig: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, casual, slang.
Quick answer
What does “cig” mean?
A short, informal term for a cigarette.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A short, informal term for a cigarette.
Can refer to the act of smoking a cigarette, especially in phrases like "have a cig". In informal contexts, it may occasionally refer to a cigar.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The clipped form 'cig' is understood in both varieties, but alternative slang terms are more common (e.g., 'fag' in UK, 'smoke' in US).
Connotations
In both, it's informal but not inherently pejorative. In public health and formal contexts, 'cigarette' is strongly preferred.
Frequency
Less frequent than 'fag' in UK informal speech. In US, 'smoke' or 'ciggy' are comparable informal alternatives.
Grammar
How to Use “cig” in a Sentence
[Subject] + have/bum/light + a + cig[Subject] + go for + a + cigVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cig” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I'm just popping out to cig.
American English
- Do you mind if I cig here?
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; 'cigarette break' is the formal phrase.
Academic
Not used; 'cigarette' is the standard term in research.
Everyday
Common in informal spoken contexts among smokers.
Technical
Not used; the full chemical or product term is required.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cig”
- Using 'cig' in formal writing.
- Pronouncing it with a hard /g/ as in 'big'; it's a soft /ɡ/.
- Using it as a countable noun without an article ('I need cig' is wrong; 'I need a cig' is correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a recognized informal clipping of 'cigarette' and appears in dictionaries as slang, but it is not used in formal contexts.
Yes, the plural is 'cigs' (e.g., 'He bought two packs of cigs').
Not inherently, but its informality might be considered too casual or flippant in contexts where smoking is a serious health topic.
Both are informal. 'Ciggy' is often perceived as slightly more playful or affectionate. 'Cig' is the more straightforward clipping.
A short, informal term for a cigarette.
Cig is usually informal, casual, slang. in register.
Cig: in British English it is pronounced /sɪɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /sɪɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Step outside for a cig.”
- “Bum a cig off someone.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of it as a quick, short word for a quick, short smoke: CIG-arette.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CIG IS A BRIEF PAUSE/REWARD (e.g., 'I deserve a cig after that meeting').
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'cig' be LEAST appropriate?