Why Do Folks Say to Sip While You Smoke?

[MartyA]

As others have said, sipping generally means small "sips" on your pipe. Smoking slowly just tastes better, and it doesn't get as hot. My pipe often goes out... I just relight.
That being said, I'll usually have a small glass of whisky and Mountain Dew beside me, just to wet my tongue a bit. I toss most of it when I'm done, as alcohol and my stomach lining don't get along anymore.

 

[Pantoporos Aporos]

So, this has been answered already, but just in case anyone is still unsure of what "sipping the smoke" means, here's how I (a Troglodyte and philistine) do it:

While breathing slowly through my nose, I slowly pull smoke into my mouth over the period of an inhale and an exhale. At the end of the exhale I blow out the smoke (usually retrohaling: blowing it out of my nose without bringing it into my lungs first).

This allows me to taste nuances that are otherwise lost to me if I puff too fast/smoke too hot.

And sure, a big glass of ice water is a very nice accompaniment to the smoke

 

[Sparcdude]

I’ve never paid much attention to whether I sip or not. I just smoke. Never had issues with tongue bite or not getting the flavor. I do smoke my tobacco crispy, however, so I may instinctively sip as crispy tends to smoke a little hotter.