Top 45 Slang For Cold – Meaning & Usage

Winter is coming, and with it comes the inevitable sniffles, sneezes, and chills. But fear not! We’ve got you covered with a list of the coolest slang terms for cold. From “sniffle season” to “icebox weather,” you’ll be able to talk about the chilly temperatures with style and flair. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, bundle up, and get ready to shiver with excitement as we explore the top slang for cold.

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1. Arctic Outside

This phrase is used to describe weather conditions that are extremely cold, similar to the temperatures experienced in the Arctic region. It emphasizes the intensity of the cold weather.

For example, “Bundle up, it’s Arctic outside!”
Someone might say, “I can’t believe how Arctic it is today.”
A weather report might state, “Temperatures will drop to Arctic levels tonight.”

2. Baltic

This term is used to describe extremely cold weather or temperatures. It originates from the Baltic Sea, which is known for its freezing temperatures.

For instance, “I can’t go outside, it’s absolutely Baltic!”
A person might complain, “The wind is making it feel even more Baltic.”
A weather forecast might warn, “Prepare for Baltic conditions over the weekend.”

3. Bitter

This word is used to describe extremely cold weather that is unpleasant or uncomfortable. It emphasizes the negative experience of being in such cold temperatures.

For example, “I can’t stand the bitter cold.”
Someone might say, “I forgot my gloves, and now my hands are freezing in this bitter weather.”
A person might comment, “The bitter wind cuts right through you.”

4. Blustery

This term is used to describe weather that is both windy and cold. It emphasizes the combination of strong winds and low temperatures.

For instance, “It’s blustery outside, make sure to bundle up!”
A person might comment, “The blustery conditions are making it feel even colder.”
A weather report might state, “Expect blustery conditions throughout the day.”

5. Bone-Chilling

This phrase is used to describe weather that is so cold it feels like it’s penetrating to the bones, causing extreme discomfort. It emphasizes the intensity and discomfort of the cold weather.

For example, “The wind makes it feel bone-chilling outside.”
Someone might say, “I can’t warm up, it’s bone-chilling in here.”
A person might comment, “The bone-chilling temperatures are unbearable.”

6. Brass Monkey Weather

This phrase originates from the old naval practice of stacking cannonballs on a brass frame, called a “monkey,” on ships. In very cold weather, the metal would contract and cause the cannonballs to fall off. Thus, “brass monkey weather” refers to weather so cold that it could cause the cannonballs to fall off the monkey.

For example, “It’s brass monkey weather out here, better bundle up!”
A person might say, “I can’t believe how cold it is today, it’s definitely brass monkey weather.”
In a conversation about the winter season, someone might comment, “I love the snow, but I can do without the brass monkey weather.”

7. Chilly

This slang term is used to describe a cool or cold temperature, typically in a casual or informal context.

For instance, “I love taking walks in the park on a chilly autumn evening.”
A person might say, “Don’t forget to bring a jacket, it’s going to be chilly tonight.”
In a conversation about the weather, someone might comment, “It’s a bit chilly outside, but I like it.”

8. Crule

This slang term is used to describe a temperature that is very cold, often in a more extreme or exaggerated way.

For example, “I can’t believe how crule it is outside, my fingers are numb.”
A person might say, “I need to turn up the heat, it’s crule in here.”
In a discussion about winter weather, someone might comment, “I’ve never experienced such crule temperatures before.”

9. Dead of Winter

This phrase refers to the middle or peak of the winter season, when temperatures are typically the coldest.

For instance, “I love going skiing in the dead of winter when the snow is fresh.”
A person might say, “I can’t wait for the dead of winter, I love cozying up by the fireplace.”
In a conversation about seasonal activities, someone might comment, “The dead of winter is the perfect time for ice skating.”

10. Freezing

This slang term is used to describe a temperature that is extremely cold, often in a literal sense.

For example, “I can’t feel my toes, it’s freezing outside.”
A person might say, “I need to wear three layers, it’s freezing in this office.”
In a discussion about winter temperatures, someone might comment, “I hate the freezing cold, I can’t wait for spring.”

11. Hapwarm

Hapwarm is a slang term used to describe a hot drink that warms you up in cold weather. It refers to a beverage that brings comfort and warmth in chilly conditions.

For example, “I could really use a cup of hapwarm on this freezing day.”
A person might say, “Let’s grab a hapwarm to ward off the cold.”
Another might suggest, “I’ll make us some hapwarm to help us thaw out.”

12. Nippy

Nippy is a slang term used to describe cold or chilly weather. It refers to a cool temperature that is uncomfortable or causes shivering.

For instance, “It’s a bit nippy out here, isn’t it?”
Someone might say, “I need to bundle up, it’s getting nippy.”
Another might comment, “The wind makes it feel even more nippy.”

13. Nithered

Nithered is a slang term used to describe extremely cold weather. It refers to a temperature that is so cold it makes you shiver or feel numb.

For example, “I can’t go outside, it’s absolutely nithered.”
Someone might say, “I was nithered after waiting for the bus in the cold.”
Another might comment, “The nithered wind cut right through my jacket.”

14. Tater

Tater is a slang term used to describe someone who is always cold, no matter the temperature. It refers to a person who feels chilly easily or has a low tolerance for cold weather.

For instance, “She’s such a tater, always needing a sweater.”
Someone might say, “I’m a tater, I can’t stand being in air conditioning.”
Another might comment, “I envy people who can wear shorts in winter, but I’m just a tater.”

15. Cold snap

Cold snap is a slang term used to describe a sudden and brief period of unusually cold weather. It refers to a sudden drop in temperature that is unexpected or out of the ordinary.

For example, “We’re in for a cold snap this weekend, so bundle up.”
A person might say, “I wasn’t prepared for the cold snap, I had to dig out my winter coat.”
Another might comment, “The cold snap caught everyone off guard, the city wasn’t prepared for it.”

16. Brrr

This is an onomatopoeic word used to mimic the sound one makes when feeling cold. It is often used as an interjection to express discomfort or a chill.

For example, “Brrr, it’s freezing outside!”
When entering a cold room, someone might say, “Brrr, it’s like an icebox in here.”
A person might comment on the weather by saying, “Brrr, it’s so cold today, I can’t wait to get home and warm up.”

17. Chiberia

This term is used to describe extremely cold weather conditions in Chicago, Illinois. It is a humorous way to convey how cold the city can get during winter.

For instance, “Chiberia is back, and it’s colder than ever!”
A person might complain, “I can’t believe how long Chiberia lasts every year.”
When discussing winter in Chicago, someone might say, “Chiberia is no joke, you really have to bundle up.”

18. Arctic

This word is used to describe weather or temperatures that are extremely cold, similar to the conditions found in the Arctic region.

For example, “It’s Arctic outside, make sure to dress warmly.”
When experiencing freezing temperatures, someone might say, “I feel like I’m in the Arctic.”
A person might comment on the cold by saying, “The wind makes it feel Arctic out here.”

19. Frigid

This term is used to describe weather or temperatures that are very cold. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a person’s personality or demeanor as cold or unfriendly.

For instance, “The water in the pool was frigid, I couldn’t stay in for long.”
When describing a cold room, someone might say, “It’s so frigid in here, I can see my breath.”
A person might comment on someone’s distant behavior by saying, “She gave me a frigid stare, it was like I didn’t exist.”

20. Cool as a cucumber

This phrase is used to describe someone who remains calm and composed in a stressful or challenging situation, despite the coldness in the environment.

For example, “Even though it was freezing outside, she remained as cool as a cucumber.”
When describing someone’s demeanor during a crisis, a person might say, “He stayed cool as a cucumber and handled the situation with ease.”
A person might comment on someone’s ability to stay calm under pressure by saying, “She’s always cool as a cucumber, nothing seems to faze her.”

21. Shivery

When someone feels extremely cold and experiences uncontrollable shivering. The term “shivery” is often used to describe the sensation of being cold and trembling.

For example, “I forgot my jacket and now I’m feeling shivery.”
A person might say, “The wind was so strong, it made me shivery.”
In a discussion about winter weather, someone might comment, “I hate going outside when it’s shivery.”

22. Bitter cold

When the temperature drops to a level that is uncomfortably cold and piercing. “Bitter cold” is a phrase used to describe harsh and frigid weather conditions.

For instance, “I can’t stand going outside in this bitter cold.”
A person might say, “The bitter cold is making my fingers numb.”
In a conversation about winter activities, someone might mention, “I love skiing, but only in the bitter cold.”

23. Polar

Used to describe temperatures that are extremely cold, often in reference to the Arctic or Antarctic regions. “Polar” is a slang term indicating freezing temperatures.

For example, “I can’t feel my toes, it’s so polar outside.”
A person might say, “The polar weather is unbearable.”
In a discussion about winter clothing, someone might comment, “I need a polar jacket to survive this weather.”

24. Frostbite

A condition that occurs when body tissues freeze due to exposure to extremely cold temperatures. “Frostbite” is a term used to describe the damage caused by freezing temperatures.

For instance, “I got frostbite on my fingers after being outside without gloves.”
A person might say, “Frostbite can be very painful and can lead to permanent damage.”
In a conversation about winter safety, someone might mention, “Make sure to protect yourself from frostbite by wearing warm clothing.”

25. Shivering

When someone experiences uncontrollable shaking or trembling as a result of feeling cold. “Shivering” is a term used to describe the physical reaction to extreme cold.

For example, “I couldn’t stop shivering after being outside in the snow.”
A person might say, “Shivering is the body’s way of generating heat to keep warm.”
In a discussion about winter activities, someone might mention, “I love skiing, but it always leaves me shivering.”

26. Chilled to the bone

This phrase is used to describe a feeling of intense coldness that penetrates deep into one’s bones. It conveys a sense of being cold to the point of discomfort or pain.

For example, “After walking in the snow for hours, I was chilled to the bone.”
A person might say, “The wind was so strong that it made me feel chilled to the bone.”
Another might describe a freezing room as, “It was so cold in there, I was chilled to the bone within minutes.”

27. Cold front

This term refers to the leading edge of a cooler air mass that is replacing a warmer air mass. Cold fronts often bring changes in weather conditions, including drops in temperature and shifts in wind direction.

For instance, a weather reporter might say, “A cold front is expected to move through the region later today, bringing cooler temperatures and the possibility of rain.”
A person discussing the weather might say, “I love when a cold front comes through and brings relief from the summer heat.”
Another might comment, “The cold front that passed through yesterday really cooled things down.”

28. Cold shoulder

This phrase is used to describe a situation in which someone is deliberately being ignored or excluded. It can also refer to giving someone a cold or unfriendly reception.

For example, “After the argument, she gave him the cold shoulder and refused to speak to him.”
A person might say, “I reached out to them for help, but they gave me the cold shoulder.”
Another might describe a social gathering where they felt excluded, “I went to the party, but everyone gave me the cold shoulder.”

29. Cold feet

This phrase is used to describe a feeling of nervousness or doubt that arises just before a planned action or event. It often refers to a person reconsidering or backing out of something they were initially enthusiastic about.

For instance, “He was going to propose, but he got cold feet and decided not to.”
A person might say, “I was excited to go skydiving, but when I got to the plane, I got cold feet.”
Another might comment, “I had cold feet about starting a new job, but I pushed through and it turned out to be a great opportunity.”

30. Cold-hearted

This term is used to describe a person who is unfeeling, unsympathetic, or indifferent to the emotions or suffering of others. It suggests a lack of warmth or emotional connection.

For example, “She showed no remorse for her actions and was described as cold-hearted.”
A person might say, “He seemed cold-hearted, as he didn’t show any concern for the homeless person on the street.”
Another might comment, “The villain in the movie was portrayed as cold-hearted, showing no mercy to anyone.”

31. Cold sweat

This phrase refers to the sudden onset of sweating due to anxiety, fear, or nervousness. It is often used to describe a physical reaction to a stressful situation.

For example, “I broke out in a cold sweat when I realized I had forgotten my presentation.”
During a suspenseful movie scene, someone might say, “That scene had me in a cold sweat!”
A person recounting a scary experience might say, “I woke up from a nightmare in a cold sweat.”

32. Cold turkey

This phrase is commonly used to describe the act of quitting or stopping a habit or addiction suddenly and completely, without any gradual reduction or tapering off.

For instance, “I decided to quit smoking cold turkey and haven’t had a cigarette since.”
Someone discussing their attempt to quit caffeine might say, “I went cold turkey and experienced terrible headaches.”
A person sharing their experience with quitting drugs might say, “Going cold turkey was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”

33. Cold war

This term refers to a state of political tension and hostility between two or more countries, characterized by threats, propaganda, and military build-up, but without direct military conflict.

For example, “The Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union lasted for several decades.”
Someone discussing current geopolitical tensions might say, “It feels like we’re in another cold war.”
A person analyzing the relationship between two rival companies might say, “They’re locked in a cold war, constantly trying to outdo each other.”

34. Cold case

This phrase is used to describe a criminal investigation that remains open and unsolved for an extended period of time.

For instance, “Detectives are still actively working on cold cases from decades ago.”
A true crime enthusiast might say, “I love reading about cold cases and trying to solve them.”
Someone discussing a famous unsolved murder might say, “The Black Dahlia case is one of the most well-known cold cases in history.”

35. Cold storage

This term refers to the practice of storing perishable items, such as food or biological samples, at low temperatures to slow down spoilage or decay.

For example, “We keep the extra produce in cold storage to extend its shelf life.”
A person discussing the preservation of animal specimens might say, “After collection, the specimens are placed in cold storage to prevent decomposition.”
Someone planning a camping trip might ask, “Do we need to bring a cooler for cold storage of our food?”

36. Wintry

This term describes weather or conditions that are characteristic of winter, often involving low temperatures and snow.

For example, “The wintry weather made it difficult to drive on the icy roads.”
A person might say, “I love taking walks in wintry landscapes.”
Another might comment, “The wintry wind chilled me to the bone.”

37. Glacial

This word is used to describe temperatures or conditions that are extremely cold, often comparing them to the icy temperatures found in glaciers.

For instance, “The wind was glacial, making it unbearable to be outside.”
A person might say, “I can’t stand the glacial temperatures in this city.”
Another might comment, “I need to bundle up to brave the glacial weather.”

38. Numbed

When someone is numbed, it means they have lost feeling or sensation, usually because of extreme cold temperatures.

For example, “My fingers were completely numbed after being outside without gloves.”
A person might say, “I couldn’t feel my toes, they were completely numbed.”
Another might comment, “The numbed sensation in my face made it hard to speak.”

39. Subzero

This term refers to temperatures that are below zero degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius, indicating extremely cold conditions.

For instance, “The subzero temperatures made it dangerous to be outside for too long.”
A person might say, “I can’t believe we’re experiencing subzero temperatures in this area.”
Another might comment, “The subzero wind chill made it feel even colder than it actually was.”

40. Biting

When something is described as biting, it means it is extremely cold and feels as if it is cutting into the skin.

For example, “The biting wind made it hard to walk without a scarf.”
A person might say, “I could feel the biting cold on my face.”
Another might comment, “The biting temperatures made me shiver uncontrollably.”

41. Raw

Raw is a slang term used to describe extremely cold weather or temperatures. It implies a biting, uncomfortable cold that can make you shiver.

For example, “I can’t go outside without a jacket, it’s raw out there!”
A person might say, “The wind is so raw, it goes right through you.”
Another might complain, “I hate this raw weather, it’s freezing!”

42. Cutting

Cutting is a slang term used to describe extremely cold weather that feels sharp and piercing. It implies a biting, icy cold that can make you feel as though you’re being cut by the cold air.

For instance, “I can’t handle this cutting wind, it’s too cold!”
A person might say, “The air is so cutting, it takes my breath away.”
Another might complain, “I can’t stand this cutting cold, it’s unbearable!”

43. Icy-cold

Icy-cold is a slang term used to describe extremely cold weather or temperatures. It implies a freezing, icy cold that can make you feel as though you’re surrounded by ice.

For example, “I need to bundle up, it’s icy-cold outside!”
A person might say, “The water is so icy-cold, it’s painful to touch.”
Another might complain, “I can’t feel my fingers in this icy-cold weather!”

44. Freezing cold

Freezing cold is a slang term used to describe extremely cold weather or temperatures. It implies a temperature that is at or below freezing, causing discomfort and a feeling of extreme coldness.

For instance, “I can’t go outside without multiple layers, it’s freezing cold!”
A person might say, “The wind is so freezing cold, it feels like needles on my skin.”
Another might complain, “I hate this freezing cold weather, it’s unbearable!”

45. Bone-chilling cold

Bone-chilling cold is a slang term used to describe extremely cold weather or temperatures. It implies a coldness that penetrates deep into your bones, causing intense discomfort and a feeling of extreme coldness.

For example, “I can’t even leave the house, it’s bone-chilling cold outside!”
A person might say, “The air is so bone-chilling cold, it feels like it’s freezing my insides.”
Another might complain, “I can’t handle this bone-chilling cold, it’s too much!”