The Archive

Etymology Journal ยท G

Give someone the cold shoulder

Meaning

To intentionally ignore or act unfriendly toward someone. It is a social slight used to signal disapproval or a falling out.

Cool, icy

Used in a sentence

  • I think she is mad at me because she has been giving me the cold shoulder all day.
  • He gave me the cold shoulder during the meeting for no apparent reason.
  • After their argument, she gave him the cold shoulder for a week.

The backstory

The phrase dates back to the 1800s, possibly referring to serving a guest a cold shoulder of mutton, which was a clear sign they were no longer welcome.

Heard in

Nationwide

Vibe check