Cheroot: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'cheroot' comes from the Tamil word 'curuttu,' meaning 'to roll' – highlighting its rolled form.
• It was adopted into English in the 19th century, showing the influence of Indian languages on English vocabulary.
• Cheroots were popularized in the Western world by colonists and traders who encountered them in Asia.

Cultural Significance

• In various cultures, cheroots have been associated with relaxation and social gatherings, often enjoyed in pairs.
• Famous artists and writers, such as Ernest Hemingway, often depicted cheroots in their work, symbolizing leisurely lifestyles.
• In some regions, they are handcrafted using local tobacco varieties, making them a point of cultural pride.

Historical Context

• Cheroots were commonly seen in the hands of soldiers and travelers during the late 19th century.
• In the American South, cheroots gained popularity as a cheaper alternative to more elaborately made cigars.
• By the 20th century, the production of cheroots had shifted largely to large-scale factories, affecting their artisanal aspect.

Science

• The act of smoking anything, including cheroots, has been extensively studied and linked to various health risks.
• Research indicates that the way people smoke cigars, including cheroots, can have distinct impacts on lung health.
• Cheroots contain nicotine, and like other tobacco products, they can be addictive.

Literature

• Authors often use cheroots as a setting detail that adds atmosphere to scenes that depict relaxed or contemplative moods.
• In poetry, cheroots can symbolize indulgence and pleasure, often in conjunction with themes of reflection.
• Notable characters in classic literature have been portrayed with a cheroot, often representing their rugged or assertive nature.

Ranking #35,767, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

• ...
• 35764 redeploy
• 35765 strummed
• 35766 pluvial
• 35767 cheroot
• 35768 deigning
• 35769 glitzy
• 35770 grebe
• ...