SMOKEFILLED ROOM Meaning and
Definition
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A "smokefilled room" refers to a confined space, often a closed meeting or backroom, where individuals engage in secret discussions or make important decisions in a secretive, manipulative, or deceitful manner. The term usually connotes political settings or high-level negotiations.
Originating from the era when smoking was more prevalent and accepted, the phrase captures the image of a room shrouded in thick smoke due to the chain-smoking occupants, further enhancing the clandestine nature of the activities taking place. Metaphorically, the smoke represents the secrecy, opacity, and intrigue that characterizes the discussions held within the room.
The underlying idea is that significant decisions or agreements are made out of public view, beyond the scrutiny of the general public, and perhaps even outside the standard rules, procedures, or regulations. The participants in a smokefilled room are typically influential or powerful figures, who manipulate or control proceedings for their own advantage. This can involve strategies such as negotiating deals, making political arrangements, or selecting candidates for key positions. The decisions made within a smokefilled room are often seen as being driven by personal interests, rather than for the benefit of the wider populace.
Overall, the phrase "smokefilled room" denotes a secretive and manipulative environment where hidden negotiations take place, with potential consequences that can impact the wider community, often leading to skepticism or mistrust from those who are kept in the dark.
Common Misspellings for SMOKEFILLED ROOM
- amokefilled room
- zmokefilled room
- xmokefilled room
- dmokefilled room
- emokefilled room
- wmokefilled room
- snokefilled room
- skokefilled room
- sjokefilled room
- smikefilled room
- smkkefilled room
- smlkefilled room
- smpkefilled room
- sm0kefilled room
- sm9kefilled room
- smojefilled room
- smomefilled room
- smolefilled room
- smooefilled room
- smoiefilled room
Etymology of SMOKEFILLED ROOM
The phrase "smoke-filled room" originated in the early 20th century and has its roots in American politics. The etymology of the term can be traced back to the era when political party conventions were held to select presidential candidates.
During those conventions, political negotiations and deal-making would often take place in rooms filled with smoke due to heavy cigarette and cigar usage. These rooms would become the setting for private discussions and backroom dealings where influential party members, politicians, and powerbrokers would gather to make decisions and determine the outcome of the convention.
The notion of a "smoke-filled room" became synonymous with secretive and behind-the-scenes political maneuvering, where decisions were made away from public scrutiny. It represented an environment where deals were struck, alliances were formed, and candidates were chosen, often representing the interests of powerful factions rather than the will of the people.
Idioms with the word SMOKEFILLED ROOM
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smokefilled room
A "smokefilled room" is a secretive or clandestine meeting or negotiation, especially in politics or business, where deals are made or decisions are reached behind closed doors away from public scrutiny.
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