closet smoker
Hides the habit
A closet smoker is someone who smokes but conceals the habit from others—family, coworkers, or the public.
The closet metaphor, borrowed from "closet gay," suggests hiding something others might judge: She's a closet smoker who only lights up when her kids aren't around.
The phrase often implies shame or awareness that the behavior conflicts with one's public image.
- secretConcealed information
- hiddenKept out of sight
- ashamedFeeling guilt and disgrace
- guiltMoral self-reproach
- sneakyStealthily deceptive
furtive · breath mints · air freshener · window · balcony · garage · bathroom · exhale · cover up · habit · addiction · denial · pack · lighter · stash · nicotine · nicotine patch · craving
- smoking statusnonsmoker, vaper, tobacco-free
closet smokernon-smoker
One who abstains from tobacco
never-smoker · teetotaler · nonsmoker · ex-smoker · abstainer
closet, smoker, close, closets, closeted, smoke, smokes, smoked, smoking