what do they call cigarettes in the uk

In the UK, people usually just call them cigarettes , but there are several common informal and slang terms as well.

Quick answer

• Standard everyday term: “cigarette” or “cigarettes”.

• Very common informal shortenings: “cigs” or “ciggies”.

• Traditional slang: “fag” for a single cigarette, “fags” for a pack, though this can be offensive in other contexts, so many people avoid saying it now.

• Other casual words you might hear: “smokes”, “roll‑ups” (for hand‑rolled cigarettes), “baccy” for loose tobacco.

So if you’re in the UK and want to be neutral and safe, “cigarette” or “cigs” is what most people would say.