smoky

Smoky is an adjective describing something that produces smoke or is filled with smoke, such as a smoky room or smoke-filled air. It can also describe appearance or texture that resembles smoke, for example a smoky haze, a smoky veil over the landscape, or a smoky color. The term is used in culinary, artistic, and descriptive contexts to convey the impression of smoke.

Etymology and range: Smoky derives from the noun smoke with the suffix -y, forming an adjective in English. It has a broad semantic range that includes sensory impressions (smell, taste, sight) as well as metaphorical uses, such as a smoky atmosphere or a smoky expression.

Colors and flavors: A smoky color denotes tones reminiscent of smoke, typically grayish, brownish, or bluish, used in art, fashion, and design. In food and drink, smoky describes flavors produced by smoking or smoke-related processes, such as smoked meats, smoked cheeses, and smoked spices. The term can also describe scents associated with smoke, from charred wood to campfire smoke.

Geography and culture: The Great Smoky Mountains is a well-known mountain range on the Tennessee–North Carolina border, named for the natural haziness that often surrounds the peaks. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. In culture and music, smoky is used to characterize a warm, husky vocal style or a mood that feels subdued and intimate.