Big Smoke

n. an important person. Subjects: English, Firefighting

Editorial Note: This term is sometimes made a play on words by through connotations of trains, Indians (and their smoke signals), and firemen.

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Citations: 1909 @ HDAS: West. Big shot. 1909 Nevada State Journal (Reno) (July 27) “Indians Divided On Copper Coins” p. 3: Johnny Kay, who is a big smoke in the Indian camp, when approached on the subject, misapprehended the question. 1913 Indianapolis Sunday Star (Ind.) (May 11) “Sport Section” p. 17: Vaughn is big smoke in Blues’ victory. 1918 Bridgeport Telegram (Conn.) (Oct. 10) “Mahoney’s Holy Roller League Starts Tonight” p. 10: There will be six good teams entered this season:…Firemen…with Jack Brannigan as the big smoke. 1924 George Barry Clearfield Progress (Pa.) (Oct. 10) “‘The Old Gray Mare Ain’t What She Used to Be,’ Says Walter Johnson, Twice Defeated Pitcher”: The “big train” has reached the end of the road.…Walter Johnson somewhat sadly admitted today that he was through.…Twice now the “big smoke” has started in the series. *1938-39 Lexicon of Trade Jargon “Firemen” (in New York City): Big Smoke—The Chief. 1946 Jo Serra Mountain Democrat and Republican (Placerville, California) (Oct. 24) “The Low Down from Hickory Grove” p. 2: If you are dubious about whether bankers are people or what, you will find out…if you walk right in and say to the stenographer “where is the Big Smoke around here—I want to see him.”

Posted 31 May 05 | Permalink | Tell a Friend