The Archive

Etymology Journal · C

Cold enough for ya?

Meaning

A classic, cliché conversation starter used when two people are enduring freezing weather together. It is rarely asked for information and usually just to break the silence.

Friendly, repetitive

Used in a sentence

  • I walked outside and the neighbor immediately said, cold enough for ya?
  • It is ten below zero and my boss asked me, cold enough for ya?
  • You have to say cold enough for ya when it's this chilly outside.

The backstory

This is the quintessential Midwestern small-talk staple. It has been the go-to line for neighbors shoveling driveways since at least the early 1900s.

Heard in

Midwest

Vibe check