United States | Pouches of resistance

Why do conservatives in America love Zyn?

A nicotine pouch has stimulated America’s young men—and the culture wars 

Zyn smokeless nicotine pouch containers for sale at a convenience store in New York, USA.
Photograph: Getty Images
|New York

You have probably heard of Tucker Carlson, a former Fox News host. But what about Tucker Carlzyn? Mr Carlson has earned the moniker for his enthusiasm for Zyn, a small white pouch, placed between the lip and the gum, that delivers a jolt of nicotine. He has called it “a powerful work enhancer, and also a male enhancer, if you know what I mean”, and likened its effect to “the hand of God reaching down and massaging your central nervous system”. Thanks in part to Mr Carlson, Zyn has become a symbol for a new boyish blend of conservative masculinity.

Explore more

This article appeared in the United States section of the print edition under the headline “Pouches of resistance”

From the August 10th 2024 edition

Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents

Explore the edition

Discover more

A container ship sails as the sun sets in Bayonne, New Jersey, United States.

Does Donald Trump have unlimited authority to impose tariffs?

Yes, but other factors could hold him back

Special Counsel Jack Smith delivers remarks on a recently unsealed indictment including four felony counts against former U.S. President Donald Trump.

As Jack Smith exits, Donald Trump’s allies hint at retribution

The president-elect hopes to hand the justice department to loyalists



Donald Trump and Tulsi Gabbard are coming for the spooks

The president-elect’s intelligence picks suggest a radical agenda

Matt Gaetz withdraws from consideration as America’s attorney-general

Will the Senate be brave enough to block Donald Trump’s other outlandish nominees?