- Meaning
- This idiom describes deliberately ignoring, snubbing, or treating someone with aloofness or disdain, often to express disapproval or rejection. It suggests a chilly, distant attitude, as if turning a cold shoulder to someone seeking warmth or attention. The phrase is used in social, romantic, or professional contexts to highlight intentional exclusion, carrying a critical or hurt tone. It reflects cultural norms around politeness and the emotional impact of rejection, often implying a calculated act of social distancing.
- Origin
- The phrase likely originated in early 19th-century Britain, tied to the custom of serving unwelcome guests cold shoulder of mutton instead of hot food, signaling their lack of favor. An early use appears in Sir Walter Scott’s *The Antiquary* (1816): ‘She gave him the cold shoulder.’ The idiom gained traction in Victorian England, reflecting rigid social hierarchies, as seen in Charles Dickens’ *The Old Curiosity Shop* (1841). Its use grew in American English during the 19th century, particularly in social and romantic contexts, and was popularized through literature and etiquette guides. The phrase’s vivid imagery and emotional resonance ensured its spread across English-speaking cultures.
- Variants
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- Give someone the cold shoulder
- Give the cold shoulder
- Get the cold shoulder
- Turn a cold shoulder
- Examples
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- She gave him the cold shoulder after he forgot their anniversary.
- He got the cold shoulder from his colleagues after missing the team deadline.
- Give the cold shoulder to gossipers—they don’t deserve your attention.
- Turning a cold shoulder, she ignored his attempts to apologize.
- They gave her the cold shoulder at the party, upset by her earlier comments.
- He felt hurt when his old friend gave him the cold shoulder at the reunion.
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