Pea-souper meaning

A pea-souper is a thick fog, especially one caused by air pollution.


Pea-souper definitions

Word backwards repuos-aep
Part of speech The word "pea-souper" is a noun. It is a colloquial term for a thick fog.
Syllabic division pea-soup-er
Plural The plural of "pea-souper" is "pea-soupers."
Total letters 9
Vogais (4) e,a,o,u
Consonants (3) p,s,r

Pea-souper is a term used to describe a very thick, dense fog that significantly reduces visibility. This type of fog is often associated with pollution and industrial areas where smoke and soot combine with moisture in the air to create a thick haze. The term "pea-souper" originated in 19th-century London, where frequent fogs would descend upon the city, causing widespread disruption and health concerns.

The Origins of Pea-Soupers

The term "pea-souper" is thought to have originated from the thick, greenish-yellow haze that would envelop the city of London during the Industrial Revolution. The fog, combined with smoke and soot from coal fires used for heating and industrial processes, created a murky atmosphere that made it difficult to see more than a few feet ahead. These dense fogs, known as pea-soupers, were a common occurrence in London during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Health and Environmental Impact

Pea-soupers were not only a nuisance but also posed significant health risks to the population. The thick fog would trap pollutants in the air, leading to a sharp increase in respiratory illnesses and exacerbating existing health conditions. In extreme cases, pea-soupers were responsible for a rise in mortality rates, particularly among vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

Regulation and Decline

Efforts to combat the effects of pea-soupers led to the implementation of regulations aimed at reducing air pollution in major cities. The Clean Air Act of 1956 in the United Kingdom was a significant milestone in addressing the issue of air quality and reducing the prevalence of pea-soupers. By gradually phasing out coal burning and introducing cleaner technologies, the incidence of thick fogs in urban areas decreased, marking the decline of the traditional pea-souper.

Today, while pea-soupers may be less common in industrialized cities, the term is still used to describe any dense fog that severely limits visibility. The legacy of pea-soupers serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental regulations and public health initiatives in addressing the impacts of air pollution on communities.


Pea-souper Examples

  1. The city was blanketed in a dense pea-souper fog.
  2. Drivers struggled to see through the pea-souper conditions.
  3. The old movie portrayed London in the midst of a pea-souper.
  4. People used to rely on lamps to navigate through a pea-souper.
  5. The eerie atmosphere created by the pea-souper added to the mystery of the story.
  6. Travelers were advised to be cautious when walking in a pea-souper fog.
  7. The pea-souper gradually lifted, revealing a sunny day underneath.
  8. The author vividly described the pea-souper that enveloped the town.
  9. The characters in the novel found themselves lost in a pea-souper fog.
  10. The pea-souper fog rolled in, obscuring everything in its path.


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  • Updated 22/06/2024 - 08:43:18