Pea-Souper - English Definition & Meaning

Definition

A 'pea-souper' is a thick, dense fog, usually yellowish or greenish in color. 🤢 It’s called a 'pea-souper' because it resembles thick pea soup. These fogs were common in London and other industrial cities, especially during the 19th and early 20th centuries. They were caused by heavy air pollution from burning coal. Pea-soupers made it difficult to see, causing traffic problems and health issues. Nowadays, they are less common due to cleaner air regulations, but the term remains a vivid reminder of industrial pollution. Imagine trying to navigate through a dense, choking cloud!

Etymology

The term 'pea-souper' emerged in the 19th century to describe London fogs. 'Pea' refers to the thick, yellowish-green color reminiscent of pea soup. 'Souper' emphasizes the dense, almost liquid quality of the fog. The etymology reflects the experience of navigating these thick, smoggy conditions. It's a colloquial term born out of the harsh realities of industrial pollution. The phrase highlights both the visual and sensory impact of these dense fogs.

Related Words

Examples

• "The pea-souper made it impossible to see more than a few feet ahead."
• "Old movies often depict London streets shrouded in a pea-souper."
• "During the pea-souper, the traffic came to a standstill."
• "The pea-souper was so thick, it felt like walking through a green cloud."

Encouragement

The term 'pea-souper' is a great way to add some color to your descriptions of foggy weather. Use it when you want to emphasize the thickness and unpleasantness of the fog. It's a historical term that brings a vivid image to mind. ✍️

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