In 1960s slang, “clothespin” was a playful nickname for a cigarette. People used the word because a cigarette is small, narrow, and held between the fingers—just like an actual clothespin. It was never the formal term, but it popped up in casual talk, especially among teens and beatniks who liked colorful, off-beat words.
Imagine two friends leaning against a diner wall in 1965. One says, “Got a spare clothespin? Mine’s down to the filter.” The other laughs, pulls out a pack, and tosses one over. No one literally thought of laundry; it was just a fun way to ask for a smoke without sounding dull. Today, the word is mostly forgotten, but you’ll still hear it in retro movies or vintage novels when writers want to capture that laid-back, sixties vibe.
Meaning & Usage Examples
- “Hey, lend me a clothespin, will ya?” – asking for a cigarette.
- “I’m outta clothespins, gotta hit the corner store.” – running low on cigarettes.
- “He lit up a clothespin and stared at the sky.” – simply smoking.
Context / Common Use
The term showed up in coffeehouses, high-school parking lots, and rock-concert backstages. It was never mainstream enough for newspapers, but it spread through word of mouth and underground music scenes. If you spot “clothespin” in a 1960s teen diary or an old garage-band interview, odds are high they’re talking about a smoke break, not laundry day.
Is “clothespin” still used today?
Rarely. Most people now just say “cigarette,” “cig,” or “smoke,” but you might hear it in retro movies or from nostalgic baby boomers joking around.
Did everyone in the 1960s know the slang?
No. It was common in certain circles—teens, beatniks, and early rock fans—but your average parent or teacher probably never heard it.
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