For the smoking fetishist, the act of smoking assumes a sexual connotation. For example, a cigarette could be seen as an erotic prop with a woman’s lips representing her vulva especially when red lipstick is worn.

Also, because smoking is seen as socially unacceptable, it is sometimes viewed as a provocative act. Physiologically, the body has similar reactions to smoking and sex. Smoking promotes dilated pupils, flushed cheeks, pleasurable moans, and hardened nipples; body language that also signifies sexual arousal.

For some smoking enthusiasts, the highlight of the fetish is the act of playing with the cigarette before lighting it.