cold shoulder
A deliberate act of disrespect; a slight or snub.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He gave me the cold shoulder at the party.”
“My cat gives me the cold shoulder whenever I come home late.”
“I tried to apologize for the argument, but she gave me the cold shoulder all day.”
“When I asked my neighbor about the loud music last night, he just gave me the cold shoulder and walked away without saying a word.”
“Despite his attempts to reconcile after their public disagreement, his former colleague continued to offer him the cold shoulder throughout the entire conference.”
first recorded 19th c. disputed origin
The phrase is possibly a coinage of Sir Walter Scott, first appearing in his 1816 work *The Antiquary*. A popular but unproven story suggests the idiom derives from the custom of serving a guest a cold shoulder of mutton as a polite signal that their welcome had expired and no more hot food would be forthcoming. While the culinary slight provides a tidy explanation for the social one, the connection remains speculative, leaving the expression as a likely literary invention from 1816 that gained traction regardless of its disputed origins in the kitchen.
- 01
a cold day in July
The time of occurrence of an event that will never happen.
- 02
blow hot and cold
To behave inconsistently; to vacillate or to waver, as between extremes of opinion or emotion.
- 03
broad shoulders
the ability to take criticism, or accept responsibility.
- 04
catch a cold
To contract a cold.
- 05
chip on one's shoulder
A habitually combative attitude, usually because of a harbored grievance, a sense of inferiority, or a desire to prove something.
- 06
cold cash
Money, regarded as an incentive that can override any doubts or ethical concerns.
- 07
cold chills
Feelings of fear.
- 08
cold comfort
Much less reassurance, consolation, aid, or pleasure than one needs or desires.
Last updated August 10, 2026