Collective noun for smokers [apart from 'smokers']?

[bap]

It seems to me I pass through clusters of smokers outside every enclosed public space since the ban - I can't escape them. It seems to me a suitable collective noun is now required to describe them so when I'm feeling charitable I refer to them as a 'plume' of smokers, on bad days I refer to them as a 'tumour' of smokers.FYI - I stopped smoking in June 1984 and have been a rabid ant-smoker ever since.

[J.R.]

I'm a confirmed smoker, so refuse to comment.

However, I hold a driving licence but do not own a vehicle, thereby not contributing to the more toxic gasses being pumped into our atmosphere by the ever increasing traffic.

Maybe Red Ken has a point after all.

[Angela Woodford]

A puff of smokers?

[englishangel]

I thought a 'puff' too, or a 'fume'

[marty]

a 'cloud' of smokers
a 'billow' of smokers
a 'pack' of smokers
a 'blaze' of smokers
a 'whisp' of smokers
a 'column' of smokers
a 'coffin' of smokers

Whilst we're on this subject I declare that the collective noun for a group of attractive ladies shall henceforth be 'a bruce' in deference to the lovely Fiona:

Where there any nice ladies there? Yes, a whole bruce of them.

[Mid A 15]

A roll up of smokers.

There will be a "Bruce" of female OBs visiting Hertford in early April

[MarkB]

A gasp of smokers?

[Jo]

A desperation of smokers? (cos that's how they all look, especially when it's cold and they're only outside cos they're desperate)

I don't really know about groups of smokers, but I've christened the route between them that you have to brave going in and out of a building "Nicotine Alley". And the square in front of Euston Station is Nicotine Square.

And yes, I'm an ex smoker too - gave up in 1985

[ben ashton]

I quit 16 days ago! After quite some time as an avid fan. Don't know why people find it so hard!

[midget]

Well done Ben. According to Sir, who smoked from about the age of 9 until his middle 50s, it will get easier.

[blondie95]

its funny how those who have smoked then become hard core anti smokers....my bf is one of them!

Also at the moment in this weather i call them a desperation of smokers!

Also for those that do smoke i hoped you went and stocked up on you cigs before 6pm when 11p went on pack price

[Misterbee]

A Pyre of smokers

Like some others I'm a holier than thou ex- fumer- gave up 15th Jan 1989 started in the tube in 63

[englishangel]

I smoked while taking my finals but never considered myself a smoker and don't remember it with affection it just went well with the black coffee that kept me awake.

My Mum was diagnosed last year with mouth cancer and the surgeon asked her if she had ever smoked and she said yes. When he asked her when she stopped she said "Christmas Eve 1947" and her eyes went misty.

As both my (smoking) in-laws died in their mid 50s of heart attacks my husband and kids are rabid antis. (theough I think my older son used to smoke in the pub). My daughter, when asked by the doctor if she smoked said "No, my Dad would kill me". I didn't hear the question but heard the answer and asked her afterwards.

[sejintenej]

its funny how those who have smoked then become hard core anti smokers....my bf is one of them!

Bap said something similar. How I regret that people who change their ways (and it happens to "born-againn Christians as well) really go OTT.

I stopped in June 2001 after more than 40 years but, having seen the way others have reacted I am determined never to go down that hard core anti- anything route. Indeed although I havew asthma it is my wife who suffers from other people's smoke more than me.

It does get easier but there will, I suspect, always be that very occasional urge for a fag and for that reason I have a few left over unused patches. The last time (a few years ago) the urge was serious I simply cut one in half, slapped it on my arm and left it there for three days; worked an absolute treat almost immediately. (OTOH I did not use the patches according to instructions so I probably got over the problem far quicker and more easily than the recommended method.)

[Angela Woodford]

How I regret that people who change their ways (and it happens to "born-again" Christians as well) really go OTT.

Your comment has struck a raw nerve David. It's Sunday, and I shall confess. Being a bit of an all-or-nothing character I am guilty of going OTT when

doing a garden project, going on a diet, being in love, recycling, reading a wonderful book,Tibet, taking part in something singing/dramatic...



Just like Mary, I puffed on a cigarettes + black coffee regime before finals. But strangely, cigarettes were not an addictive thing for me, and I stopped with no problems.

Forgive me, Father!