smokey (adj.)

also smoky, c. 1300, smoki, "emitting smoke," especially in a troublesome way; "full of smoke," from smoke (n.) + -y (2). Of atmosphere, etc., "having the appearance or nature of smoke," late 14c. Of flavors, from 1540s; of colors, from 1550s; of voices, by 1966. Related: Smokiness. Smoky eye as an eyeshadow color technique is by 1974. Smokish "resembling smoke," is from late 15c.

"state policeman," 1974, from truckers' slang, in reference to the wide-brim style of hat worn by state troopers (the hats so called by 1969). Ultimately the reference is to the popular illustrated character of that name, a bear dressed in forest ranger gear (including a hat like those later worn by state troopers). He was introduced in 1944 by the U.S. Forest Service and the Wartime Advertising Council in a campaign to lower the number of forest fires in the West.