Damon Mcknight
The Big Smoke is an opinion site and publication that features both established and emerging writers. It was founded in Australia in 2013 and covers a range of topics, including news, politics, the arts, lifestyle, law, social issues, satire, and business. The term the big smoke is also used to refer to a large city, especially when referring to cities like London, Dublin, Toronto, or Sydney. The earliest use of the term in Australian English dates back to 1848, where it was used by Aboriginal people to refer to the town.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A particular large city |
| Reference | Used in reference to London, England; Dublin, Ireland; Toronto, Canada; or Sydney, Australia |
| Origin | Aboriginal origin |
| Examples | "I've never enjoyed the Big Smoke—the hustle and bustle of London never agreed with my small-town sensibilities." |
| "At first he has some power of choice in fixing on a resting-place for the night; but, as he gradually leaves behind him the 'big smoke' (as the aborigines picturesquely call the town), the accommodations become more and more scanty, until at length a night in the open air is the sole alternative, if he fails to reach the solitary wayside inn." | |
| "Like Cockney sportsmen just let loose from the 'big smoke,' they must forsooth have a pop at everything." | |
| "How long I lay in this state I know not, but when I came to consciousness I at first thought that I was at home in the 'big smoke'; but gradually the truth forced itself upon me." |
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What You'll Learn
- The Big Smoke is a colloquial term for a large city
- The term is used to refer to London, Dublin, Toronto, and Sydney
- In Australian English, it was first used by Aboriginal people to refer to the town
- The Big Smoke is also the name of an Australian opinion site
- The site features opinion articles on news, politics, the arts, lifestyle, law, social issues, satire, and business
The Big Smoke is a colloquial term for a large city
The term "the big smoke" is a colloquial expression that refers to a large city. The phrase is especially used in reference to major cities like London, England; Dublin, Ireland; Toronto, Canada; or Sydney, Australia. The earliest usage of the term in Australian English dates back to 1848, when British clergyman Henry William Haygarth described it as a term used by Aboriginal people to refer to the town.
The origin of the phrase is thought to be derived from the Aboriginal term used to describe the smoke that would billow from campfires or the practice of burning off scrubland. This is reflected in the earliest written usage of the phrase in Australian English, where Henry William Haygarth writes about leaving "the 'big smoke,' as the aborigines picturesquely call the town."
Over time, the phrase evolved to refer to any large city, not just the town or city in Australia. For example, in British English, "the big smoke" is often used to refer specifically to London. Similarly, in Irish English, the phrase is commonly associated with Dublin, and in Canadian English, it may refer to Toronto.
The usage of "the big smoke" to refer to a large city is likely due to the perception of these cities as bustling, busy places with a lot of activity and, quite literally, smoke from industrial activities or fireplaces in colder climates. The phrase is often used by people from smaller towns or rural areas when they visit or move to a larger city, reflecting the sense of awe or novelty that comes with experiencing a bigger, more bustling place.
In summary, "the big smoke" is a colloquial term for a large city, and its usage and meaning can vary slightly depending on the region and cultural context.
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The term is used to refer to London, Dublin, Toronto, and Sydney
The term "the big smoke" is used to refer to several major cities around the world, each for different reasons. In the context of Australia, the phrase "the big smoke" is used to refer to any urban area when contrasted with its surrounding countryside. The Australian usage of the term is said to be of Aboriginal origin.
London
London has a long history of air pollution, which is the reason people call it "the big smoke". Before cars were a problem, coal fires caused smog so thick that it brought the city to a standstill. In 1874, "country-people" approaching London would see a cloud hanging over the city, and they would say they were heading to "the smoke". In 1661, John Evelyn described the smoke as a "horrid smoke which obscures our churches and makes our palaces look old, which fouls our clothes and corrupts the waters". London's air pollution problem continued into the 20th century, with coal-fired power stations and car emissions causing serious health issues for Londoners.
Dublin
The earliest occurrence of the term "the big smoke" in reference to Dublin was in 1862, in correspondences from the Curragh, published in The Waterford Mirror and Tramore Visiter. The phrase was used to describe the large number of people who would travel from Dublin to the Curragh to feast their eyes on the soldiers and gorgeous apparel.
Toronto
Toronto, the largest municipality in Canada, is also known as "the big smoke". This nickname has existed for several decades and was popularised by Canadian hip-hop star Drake, who named his album Views from the 6.
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In Australian English, it was first used by Aboriginal people to refer to the town
The phrase "the big smoke" is used to refer to a large city, especially London, England. It is also commonly used in reference to other large cities such as Dublin, Ireland; Toronto, Canada; and Sydney, Australia. The phrase is often capitalised and is particularly prevalent in Australian English, where it was first used by Aboriginal people to refer to the town.
The earliest recorded use of the phrase in Australian English was in the book "Recollections of Bush Life in Australia, during a residence of eight years in the interior" by British clergyman Henry William Haygarth, published in 1848. In his book, Haygarth writes about the independence and freedom of travelling through Australia on horseback, and how accommodations become more scarce as one moves further away from "the big smoke", or the town. This quote provides valuable insight into the early usage of the phrase in Australian English and its association with Aboriginal culture.
Another early example of the phrase being used in Australian English can be found in "Wild Adventures in Australia and New South Wales, beyond the Boundaries, with Sketches of Life at the Mining Districts" by British adventurer Frederic de Brébant Cooper, published in 1857. In this book, Cooper writes about his adventures in the Australian wilderness and his encounters with the Aboriginal people, specifically the Gamilaraay (or Cameleroi) tribe, whose lands extend from New South Wales to southern Queensland.
It is important to note that the Australian-English use of the phrase "the big smoke" is said to be of Aboriginal origin. This usage seems to have arisen independently from the phrase's use to refer specifically to London or other large cities. While the precise meaning of the phrase in some early Australian texts is unclear, it is evident that it held a different connotation from its use to refer to a large city.
The phrase "the big smoke" has evolved to take on different meanings and connotations depending on the context and cultural setting. In Australian English, it holds a unique significance, especially when considering its roots in Aboriginal language and culture.
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The Big Smoke is also the name of an Australian opinion site
The phrase "the big smoke" has been used to refer to a large city, including London, Dublin, Toronto, and Sydney. The earliest use of the phrase in Australian English dates back to 1848, when British clergyman Henry William Haygarth referred to the "big smoke" as a term used by Aboriginal people to describe the town.
The site features a variety of content, including expert opinion pieces, interviews, and reviews. For example, the site has published articles on academic plagiarism, AI instructors, and the impact of TV shows and films on popular culture. The Big Smoke also has a newsletter that users can sign up for to receive updates and stay engaged with the content.
The Australian opinion site provides a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, contributing to discussions on a wide range of topics relevant to Australian society and culture. It offers a space for individuals to express their thoughts and engage with a range of ideas, fostering a community of thinkers and writers.
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The site features opinion articles on news, politics, the arts, lifestyle, law, social issues, satire, and business
The Big Smoke (TBS) is an Australian opinion website that features articles on a variety of topics, including news, politics, the arts, lifestyle, law, social issues, satire, and business. The site, which was founded in 2013, is published by The Big Smoke Media Group and features contributions from both established and emerging writers.
In addition to its Australian version, TBS also launched a United States version in 2015. The site's founder and CEO is entrepreneur, social commentator, and business columnist Alexandra Senter. TBS covers a wide range of topics and provides a platform for diverse voices to share their opinions and insights.
One of the unique aspects of TBS is its focus on providing expert opinions and insights from people with firsthand experience in their respective fields. For example, the site has featured articles on academic plagiarism, the impact of AI in education, and the personal perspectives of politicians and social justice advocates. TBS also covers a range of cultural topics, such as analysing the latest television shows and movies, ranking pop culture icons, and offering recommendations for books and entertainment.
The site has a section called "TBS Likes..." where it features expert opinions and advice on a variety of topics. For instance, contributors might share their insights on common business clichés, the terrifying decisions they've made in their careers, or the things they wish more people understood about their industry. This section provides a platform for professionals to offer their wisdom and knowledge to readers.
The Big Smoke also engages with current events and social issues, such as discussing the role of schools in educating children or providing a platform for discussions around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). The site welcomes diverse perspectives and encourages open dialogue on a range of topics, providing a space for Australians to share their thoughts and engage with one another.
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Frequently asked questions
The "Big Smoke" is a term used to refer to a large city, especially London, England. However, it can also be used to refer to other large cities such as Dublin, Ireland; Toronto, Canada; or Sydney, Australia. The term is said to have originated from Australian Aboriginals, who used it to describe the town.
The earliest use of the term "Big Smoke" in Australian English dates back to 1848, in the book "Recollections of Bush Life in Australia, during a residence of eight years in the interior" by British clergyman Henry William Haygarth. In the book, Haygarth writes about travelling in Australia and how, as one leaves the "big smoke" (the town), accommodations become more scarce.
No, the term "Big Smoke" can also be used in a more general sense to refer to any large town or urban area. It is often used by people from smaller towns or rural areas to describe the hustle and bustle of city life.
