MEET THE MÜSE: Lillian Ann Baumbach
Welcome to MEET THE MÜSE - A short, sharp SÜK column about historical figures who inspire us. We share some of the achievements and loveable quirks about these characters of the past that really float...
SÜK SMOKO
WELCOME TO SÜK SMOKO - A NEW MONTHLY OFFERING
SMOKO [SMOH-KO]
Definition:
noun INFORMAL • AUSTRALIAN
1. a rest from work for a smoke; a tea break.
SMOKO holds a special place in my heart. A uniquely Australian and New Zealand term and practice, it is widely known as the mid-morning and sometimes also mid-afternoon break from work duties, typically associated with (but not restricted to) physical labour roles.
Every farm and worksite I was ever on observed a SMOKO break. My favourite worksites were the ones that treated it as sacred - not just because I enjoyed the time off my feet and snacking - but because sharing SMOKO together was where the magic really happened.
Smoko in the shearing shed
When you are working with others, sweating and pulling together towards a common goal - and you have the opportunity to sit down and share food - this is when conversation flows, in-jokes are formed and sugar and caffeine levels are restored - sometimes, even a mild collective high is reached that sets the tone of the workplace and the scene for a fully charged, productive and chatter-infused afternoon shift.
Originally a call to workers for a cigarette break as “SMOKE-OH” - now, no longer connected to the smoking of tobacco at all - but referring to the break itself and the food consumed.
In the harsher Australian climates, these breaks are necessary to make it through the intense heat, to maintain momentum and camaraderie in intense environments.
Food elevates the enjoyment of work and so does a bit of rest and banter - we do believe that if you’re serious about hard work you gotta be serious about SMOKO. Come prepared even, with good food and good talk.
In this monthly column, we will share our favourite SMOKO conversation topics to shoot with the crew and possibly even the occasional standout recipe for when you really wanna win friends at work.
We welcome submissions too! ~ get in touch 💌
If you still don’t get the vibe - here are a few more iconic SMOKO references:
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