shisha: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to MediumInformal, but standard in specific cultural contexts.
Quick answer
What does “shisha” mean?
A waterpipe for smoking flavoured tobacco, where the smoke is drawn through a water basin before inhalation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A waterpipe for smoking flavoured tobacco, where the smoke is drawn through a water basin before inhalation.
Can refer to the flavoured tobacco smoked in such a pipe; the social activity of smoking it; or the establishment where it is served.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is used in both varieties. 'Shisha' is more common in the UK, influenced by its large Arab, Turkish, and South Asian communities. In the US, 'hookah' is the dominant term, though 'shisha' is recognized, especially in metropolitan areas and to refer specifically to the flavoured tobacco.
Connotations
In the UK, it strongly connotes the modern café/bar scene (shisha lounge). In the US, the 'hookah bar' is the common establishment, so 'shisha' may sound slightly more exotic or specific.
Frequency
More frequent in UK English. In US English, 'hookah' is significantly more common.
Grammar
How to Use “shisha” in a Sentence
[verb] + shisha (e.g., smoke, enjoy, order)shisha + [noun] (e.g., lounge, pipe, tobacco)[adjective] + shisha (e.g., flavoured, traditional, social)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shisha” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- None. Not used as a verb in standard English.
American English
- None. Not used as a verb in standard English.
adjective
British English
- None. Not used as a standard adjective. Attributive use is nominal (e.g., 'shisha lounge').
American English
- None. Not used as a standard adjective. Attributive use is nominal (e.g., 'shisha tobacco').
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In contexts related to hospitality, licensing, or import/export of tobacco products.
Academic
In anthropological, sociological, or public health studies discussing cultural practices or smoking habits.
Everyday
In social planning ('Let's go to a shisha lounge'), or describing a pastime.
Technical
In discussions of apparatus design, tobacco preparation, or chemical analysis of smoke.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shisha”
- Using 'shisha' as a verb ('to shisha' is non-standard; use 'smoke shisha').
- Confusing it with 'sheesha' (an alternate spelling) or 'chicha' (which can refer to a different thing in Spanish).
- Assuming it is a slang term; it is the standard term for the object/activity in relevant contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Public health authorities state that shisha smoking carries serious health risks, including exposure to high levels of toxins and carcinogens, and is not a safe alternative to cigarettes.
In common usage, they are often used interchangeably. Technically, 'hookah' is the pipe apparatus, while 'shisha' can specifically refer to the flavoured tobacco mixture. However, 'shisha' is also commonly used as a synonym for the pipe, especially in the UK.
Traditionally, it is for flavoured tobacco (mu'assel). Smoking other substances is possible but alters the cultural practice and carries different legal and health risks.
The waterpipe has a long history, with origins traced to ancient Persia and India. The modern practice of smoking flavoured tobacco (shisha) through it became popular in the Ottoman Empire.
A waterpipe for smoking flavoured tobacco, where the smoke is drawn through a water basin before inhalation.
Shisha is usually informal, but standard in specific cultural contexts. in register.
Shisha: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃiːʃə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃiːʃə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific. The word itself is often part of a cultural scene description.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SHI-SHA sounds like 'she she' – imagine two friends ('she and she') relaxing and sharing a waterpipe.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIALISING IS SHARING A SHISHA (e.g., 'We bonded over a shisha').
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the term 'shisha' most commonly used to refer to the waterpipe itself?