This traditional rest period happens halfway through the morning shift, giving crews a chance to eat, drink coffee, and rest. While originally named for a literal cigarette break, it now functions as the standard morning tea or breakfast break regardless of whether anyone smokes. The break usually lasts fifteen to thirty minutes and marks the first major pause in the workday.
Heard on the job
Drop the tools and grab your thermoses, it's time for smoko.
Insider tip
If you are the youngest apprentice on the crew, you will often be sent to the local bakery to pick up the hot food for everyone's smoko.
Also heard as
- morning tea
- smoke break