Cold Shoulder, to give/show the 🥶
Definition:
To snub someone; to assume a distant manner, or show indifference. The term dates from the early nineteenth century and was frequently used by Sir Walter Scott. It is believed to come from the custom of serving hot meat to welcome guests and of serving a cold shoulder of mutton or beef, considered a much inferior dish when guests had outstayed their welcome.
Synonyms: Snub, Ignore, Shun, Disregard, Cut off, Freeze out.
Antonyms: Welcome, Embrace, Confront, Engage, Warm reception.
Laughable Moments:
- “She gave him the cold shoulder so hard, he almost fell off the social glacier!”
Related Terms:
- “Freeze out” - To exclude someone from an activity or group.
- “Ice someone out” - Make someone feel unwelcome or unaccepted.
Inspirational Thought:
Remember, the same energy it takes to give someone the cold shoulder can be used to extend a warm hand of friendship. Choose wisely! 🌟
- “Left out in the cold” – to be ignored or excluded.
- “Giveth and taketh away” – implying the choice to be welcoming or dismissive.
- “Frosty reception” – a cool and unfriendly welcome.
- “Stone Cold” – showing no emotion or friendliness.
Humor-Filled Quotes:
“She gave him a look so cold, it brought global warming to a standstill.”
Proverbs to Ponder:
- “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” – Mark Twain
Literature:
- “Waverley” by Sir Walter Scott
Movies:
- “Mean Girls” (2004) – A humorous look at social exclusion and the ‘cold shoulder’ effect.
Songs:
Famous Examples from Poetry:
- “Fire and Ice” by Robert Frost
Suggested Reading:
- “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen – Emphasis on social dynamics and cold shoulders.
Quizzes
### What does "give someone the cold shoulder" mean?
- [ ] Offer a shoulder to cry on
- [x] Ignore or snub someone
- [ ] Serve a spicy dish
- [ ] Complain about the weather
> **Explanation:** To give someone the cold shoulder means to ignore or snub them, deriving from serving cold meat to unwelcome guests.
### Which of these is similar in meaning to "give someone the cold shoulder"?
- [x] Freeze out
- [ ] Heat up
- [ ] Offer a warm embrace
- [ ] Serve a hot meal
> **Explanation:** To freeze someone out is similar to giving them the cold shoulder, both suggest an act of ignoring or snubbing someone.
### True or False: "Giving someone the cold shoulder" means giving them attention and care.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. Giving someone the cold shoulder actually means to ignore or show indifference, quite the opposite of giving attention and care.
### Select the synonym of "cold shoulder":
- [ ] Befriend
- [x] Shun
- [ ] Welcome
- [ ] Inspire
> **Explanation:** Shun is a synonym for cold shoulder, both imply ignoring or avoiding someone.
### Which idiom conveys a similar meaning?
- [ ] Warmly welcome
- [x] Ice someone out
- [ ] Light up their day
- [ ] Give a pat on the back
> **Explanation:** To ice someone out means to make someone feel unwelcome, very similar to giving the cold shoulder.
### What is an antonym for "cold shoulder?"
- [ ] Ignore
- [x] Embrace
- [ ] Snub
- [ ] Shun
> **Explanation:** Embrace is an antonym for cold shoulder as it means to warmly welcome and engage with someone.
### Finish this phrase: "Give someone the __ shoulder."
- [x] Cold
- [ ] Hot
- [ ] Gentle
- [ ] Spicy
> **Explanation:** The correct phrase is "Give someone the cold shoulder," meaning to ignore or show indifference to them.
### Which expression means being excluded?
- [x] Left out in the cold
- [ ] Fire in the belly
- [ ] Rolling stone
- [ ] Warm welcome
> **Explanation:** Left out in the cold means being ignored or excluded, similar to giving the cold shoulder.
### True or False: "Icy reception" is another way of saying "warm welcome."
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. An icy reception means a cold and unfriendly welcome, the opposite of a warm welcome.
### Which phrase suggests ignoring someone?
- [x] Stone Cold
- [ ] Fire and Ice
- [ ] Burning passion
- [ ] Warm fuzzies
> **Explanation:** Stone cold suggests showing no emotion or friendliness, akin to giving the cold shoulder.
Farewell Thought:
May you always choose warmth over indifference and spread kindness far and wide. Remember, the world can always use a little more warmth and a little less frost. Keep cozy, keep kind! 💖
Author: Glacius Wordsworth.
Date: 2023-10-01
