rafter snapper

idiom

Meaning

A very cold night.

Origin

disputed origin

Originates from the state of Maine, in which the wooden planks and beams of a residential dwelling produce "snapping" sounds during very cold nights.

Examples

SIMPLE

It is a real rafter snapper tonight.

CONTEXTUAL

We need to bring the plants inside because it is going to be a rafter snapper.

COMPLEX

The old farmhouse groaned under the pressure of the wind during what proved to be a genuine rafter snapper of a night.

Anchors to

Last updated April 17, 2026