How to say “you smell like cigarettes” professionally
Why it can fall flat
“you smell like cigarettes”
The other person will likely hear it as a verdict on their habits or hygiene, and it stings more if anyone else is near. The writer usually just wants to tell them privately so they can fix it.
Say this instead
- 01
Hey Emerson, saying this quietly: your jacket and hair have a strong cigarette smell today. Just so you know, in case you can't notice it yourself.
Coworker · Chat
Good for a peer you get on well with, since a private chat avoids a face-to-face moment and names the cause plainly.
- 02
Quick one, Frankie, no big deal: you've got a cigarette smell on you today. Mints or a jacket swap might help before the 2pm meeting.
Coworker · SMS
Suits a close peer you already text, and the mint or jacket tip gives them time to act before the meeting.
- 03
Hi Aisha, one small thing I'd rather raise privately: the smell of cigarette smoke on your clothes is noticeable in shared spaces. It's hard to notice in yourself, so I wanted to tell you. Happy to talk if you'd like.
Someone you manage · Email
A written note lets your report read it alone and reply calmly, and the shared spaces wording keeps the tone low-key.
- 04
Hi Mark, I'm not sure how to raise this, but I've noticed a strong smell of cigarette smoke when we meet one-to-one. I wanted to mention it privately and respectfully.
Boss · Chat
Sticking to what you've noticed keeps this direct with a boss, with no comment on their smoking and no audience.
- 05
Hi Luca, a private note before Thursday's meeting. I noticed a strong smell of cigarette smoke at our last one, and as we'll be in a small room again, I wanted to mention it in case it's useful to know.
Client · Email
Reserve this for a client you know well, where a small room makes it a practical issue and email keeps it discreet.
- 06
Hi Dev, private note before tomorrow's client visit: your clothes smelled of cigarettes today. A fresh jacket should sort it. Happy to talk if useful.
Someone you manage · SMS
Best when you already text this report about work, because a short message gives them a night to change before something important.
Examples
Hi Miles, This is a bit personal, so I'm writing rather than saying it in front of others. Since we share the small office, I've noticed a strong cigarette smell on your clothes after lunch, and it lingers in the room. I thought you'd want to know; airing your jacket or keeping a spare might help. Thanks, Rina
Hi Leo, can I give you a private heads-up? Your clothes had a strong cigarette smell at this morning's stand-up. Worth freshening up before the 3pm call. Shout if you want to talk.
What to avoid
- Saying it in front of others or in a group chat will embarrass the person.
- Lecturing about smoking or health misses the point, since the issue is the smell and not the habit.
- Hints such as air fresheners, mints left on a desk or jokes tend to confuse or sting more than a plain word.
- Asking “have you been smoking?” is worse than simply stating what you noticed.
- Letting it bother you for weeks and then raising it in anger makes a small matter feel like an accusation.