Brrr! English Vocabulary for Winter Weather 🥶

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If you want to be good at small talk, learning to discuss the weather is essential.

However, even though we all enjoy sunny days, it's more common for people to complain about weather that isn't so great — and cold winter days are the perfect example.

This time, we'll introduce some common words and expressions you can use in small talk or chats with friends when it's cold outside. Give them a try!

English Adjectives for Cold Weather

A woman sitting outside and looking at mountainous winter scenery

Chilly

"Chilly" is a great word to use when the weather is cold but not too cold.

The forecast says it will be chilly later in the week.

Nippy

This is an informal adjective that's similar to "chilly."

Although yesterday was nice, it's surprisingly nippy out today.

Note that it's common in American English to simply say "out" instead of "outside."

Brisk

"Brisk" refers to cool air that feels refreshing. This is one of the few vocabulary words we'll introduce that has a positive nuance!

Going for a jog in the brisk morning air is a nice way to start the day.

Freezing

This is a common term people use when it's very cold, either indoors or outdoors.

You should put on a cap — it's freezing outside.

"Freezing" isn't just for the weather; you can also use it to talk about how you feel.

I'm freezing. Can you turn on the heat, please?

Frigid

This adjective describes weather that is extremely cold.

Notice how this word is similar to "fridge," the shorter version of "refrigerator," a machine used to keep foods cold.

I visited Toronto in February, and it was absolutely frigid outside.

Frigid can also describe a person with a very unfriendly attitude or facial expression.

I asked John for help, but he was totally frigid.

Bitterly cold

When it's "bittery cold," the temperature is extremely low and it's very unpleasant to be outside.

Chicago is a great city in many ways, but the winters there can be bitterly cold.

English Cold Weather Expressions

Bundle up

A woman bundled up in a heavy winter coat and scarf to keep warm on a winter day

This is a phrasal verb that means wearing many layers of heavy clothes to protect against cold weather.

Make sure to bundle up if you're going outside.

It's time to go, kids. Bundle up!

It’s (really) coming down.

This phrase is a casual way of saying it's snowing (or raining) very heavily.

It's really coming down outside. All of the roads are closed.

Snowed in

Snowfall can sometimes be so heavy that it becomes difficult for people to leave their homes. In those cases, we use the expression "snowed in."

Most of the town was snowed in after the big winter storm.

Snow day

Children in areas with lots of snow always get excited by the possibility of a "snow day." These are days in which there is so much snow that schools close so students can stay safe at home.

I spent the snow day playing video games and reading comics in my pajamas.

Shiver

"Shiver" is a verb that describes the way people's bodies shake when they're cold.

We shivered on the corner while we waited for the bus to arrive.

I can’t feel my face.

Very cold weather can sometimes make us lose feeling in different parts of our bodies.

I couldn't feel my face after spending a few minutes outside.

Brrr!

This short, simple expression helps people communicate how cold they feel. If you're wondering how to pronounce it, just think of "fur," but make the sound a little longer.

Brrr! It's freezing today! I should've worn a heavier coat!

Wrap-up

Don't forget that adjectives for weather are often used together with adverbs like "quite," "pretty," "totally" and even "super." For example:

super cold
a bit chilly
quite nippy
absolutely freezing

Be sure to learn them all so you'll be prepared no matter what combination you hear when talking about the weather with friends or tutors.

Stay warm and study hard! 🧣