There’s nothing quite like that first blast of cold air that hits you in the face as winter rolls in. It’s a unique sensation, and people all over the world have come up with their own ways to describe it.
This article will explore a variety of phrases for cold weather, ranging from simple descriptions to colorful idioms. We’ll start with ways to talk about the cold in English, then we’ll explore some international phrases, and finally, we’ll dive into some classic English idioms for frigid temperatures.
Describing cold weather in English
When it comes to cold weather, you probably already know some basic adjectives. You can say it’s cold, chilly, freezing, or icy.
But there are many other ways to describe just how cold it is! Here are some examples:
- It’s crisp.
- It’s frigid.
- It’s chilly out there.
- It’s icy out there.
- We’re having a cold snap.
- It’s freezing.
- It’s like the dead of winter out there.
The best way to spice up your language is to use a variety of words and phrases to accurately capture the nuances of a cold day!
International Cold Weather Phrases
It’s fascinating to notice how different cultures around the world describe the experience of cold weather.
Here are some international phrases that capture the essence of cold weather in different ways:
- “Soare cu dinți” (Romanian) – A sunny, but cold day (“sun with teeth”)
- “Kogarashi” (Japanese) – Winter’s first wind
- “Friolero” (Spanish) – A person who is sensitive to cold temperatures
- “Apricity” (English) – The warmth of sunshine in winter
- “Dreich” (Scots) – Cold, wet, dreary weather
- “Il fait un froid de canard” (French) – Freezing cold weather (“it’s cold enough to kill a duck”)
- “Koselig” (Norwegian) – A cozy, warm feeling
- “Gluggaveður” (Icelandic) – Weather that is only nice to look at (through the window)
- “Takatalvi” (Finnish) – A cold snap
Learning phrases from other cultures can help you understand those cultures a little better. Plus, it’s a fun way to broaden your perspective and add some color to your conversations!
English Idioms and Expressions for Winter
Idioms are phrases where the words together have a meaning that’s different from the dictionary definitions of the individual words. They can be tricky to learn, but mastering a few idioms can make you sound like a native speaker.
Here are some common English idioms that refer to winter:
- Winter wonderland: A scene that looks magical and beautiful. Example: The town square was a winter wonderland after the fresh snowfall.
- Winter is long in the tooth: A phrase to say that winter is dragging on. Example: I know the groundhog saw his shadow, but this winter is long in the tooth.
- In the dead of winter: The coldest and darkest part of winter. Example: We had to walk to school in the dead of winter.
- Break the ice: To make people feel more comfortable. Example: We played a game to break the ice at the company retreat.
- Out in the cold: Ignored or excluded. Example: She was left out in the cold when they planned the party.
- Frosty reception: An unfriendly welcome. Example: The new boss got a frosty reception from the employees.
- Walking on thin ice: Taking a risk. Example: He’s walking on thin ice after missing so many deadlines.
- Winter is coming: A warning of difficult times ahead. (Popularized by “Game of Thrones.”) Example: We need to save money because winter is coming.
- Cold feet: To become nervous before a big event. Example: He got cold feet before his wedding.
- Winter blues: Feeling sad during the winter. Example: The short days give me the winter blues.
- Snowball effect: When something gets bigger and bigger. Example: The small mistake had a snowball effect.
- Snowed under: Very busy. Example: I’m snowed under with work right now.
- Bundle up and brave the elements: To dress warmly and go outside. Example: We bundled up and braved the elements to go sledding.
- Cold hands, warm heart: A saying that someone may seem unfriendly but is actually kind. Example: She has cold hands, warm heart.
- As snug as a bug in a rug: Very cozy and comfortable. Example: We were as snug as a bug in a rug by the fire.
Try using these idioms in your conversations this winter to add some color and expressiveness to your speech!
In Closing
We’ve explored many ways to talk about cold weather, from simple English descriptions to colorful international phrases and idioms.
Learning and using these phrases can help you communicate more effectively, understand other cultures, and improve your language skills overall. So, next time the temperature drops, try out some of these new expressions!
Keep exploring the language of weather and other cultural expressions. You never know what interesting phrases you might discover.