Here's a breakdown:
* Primary function: The primary function of a lighter is to provide a flame for igniting combustible materials. Cigarettes, being highly combustible, are the most common item ignited by lighters.
* Convenience: Lighters are small, portable, and easy to use, making them ideal for lighting cigarettes on the go.
* Historical association: Since the invention of the lighter, it has been marketed and widely used for smoking. This has established a strong cultural connection between lighters and cigarettes over decades.
* Marketing: Cigarette companies have often used lighters as promotional tools, further strengthening the link between the two.
* Socialization: Smoking is often a social activity, and lighters are frequently exchanged and shared among smokers, reinforcing the association.
While lighters can be used for other purposes like lighting candles or starting campfires, their association with smoking remains strong due to the historical and cultural factors mentioned above.