The expansive universe of The Bachelor and its numerous spin-offs often play host to a plethora of awkward interactions. Here, hopeful singles within the reality franchise endeavor to navigate the path towards finding and ultimately winning over their soulmates. However, even when a contestant manages to capture the affections of a certain bachelor or bachelorette, it doesn’t always resonate the same way with the audience.
This disconnection was particularly palpable during the sixteenth season of The Bachelorette, where contestant Chasen Nick repeatedly referred to bachelorette Tayshia Adams as a “smokeshow.” This choice of words left many viewers feeling distinctly uncomfortable. While some critics perceived it as merely tactless, others discerned Chasen’s use of the term as carrying misogynistic undertones.
According to the Urban Dictionary’s most highly-rated definition, “smokeshow” is commonly understood as a way to describe someone so incredibly attractive that it’s as if you can practically see the allure emanating from them. In essence, the term is intended to be a compliment. However, numerous fans of The Bachelorette were quick to observe that while Chasen frequently employed the term when speaking to the cameras, he never addressed Tayshia with it directly.
Is labeling someone a “smokeshow” inherently offensive? It’s crucial to distinguish that referring to someone as a “smokeshow” doesn’t carry the same weight as using a derogatory term or slur aimed at a marginalized group with the intent of demeaning them. Nevertheless, using this term can still be potentially offensive, contingent on the manner of delivery and the individual it’s directed towards.
Considering the inherently suggestive nature of the compliment, using “smokeshow” might be perceived as an unwelcome advance of a sexual nature. To put it plainly, one would never casually refer to a family member as a “smokeshow.” The appropriateness of using this term in conversation significantly hinges on understanding one’s audience. For some, being described as a “smokeshow,” especially by someone they aren’t well-acquainted with, may come off as overly familiar or even creepy.
Additionally, the interpretation of the term is subjective. Some interpret “smokeshow” as a signal of shallowness. As pointed out in the Bachelor-focused blog Accept This Rose, certain viewers believed the term implied “all smoke and mirrors” – a phrase used to describe something that employs beauty or aesthetics to conceal a lack of substance or something less appealing beneath the surface.
An essay on Screen Rant also highlights that the “show” component of “smokeshow” can be employed in a manner that objectifies rather than compliments a person. The latter part of the term could be viewed as deliberately putting on a spectacle for an audience to cater to their desires, thus reducing a person’s appearance or style to merely appeasing the male gaze.
