Brrr! English Expressions for Describing Winter Weather
If you want to be good at small talk, learning to discuss the weather is essential!
However, even though we all enjoy clear, sunny days, it's much more common for people to complain about weather that isn't so great. And of course, the winter time gives us many opportunities to talk about cold temperatures and snow.
This time, we'll list some of the most common words and expressions you can use in small talk or when chatting with friends when it's cold outside. Give them a try!
English adjectives for describing cold weather
Chilly
"Chilly" is the perfect word to use when it's cold but not too cold.
The forecast says it will become chilly later in the week.
Nippy
This is an informal adjective that is similar to chilly.
Although yesterday was nice, it's surprisingly nippy out today.
Note that it is 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 cold expressions 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 often use when it is very cold, either indoors or outdoors.
Note that you can use it to refer to the weather or to how someone feels.
It's freezing outside. You should wear your heavy coat.
I'm freezing. Can you turn on the heat, please?
Frigid
This is an adjective used to describe 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 refer to a person with a very unfriendly expression or attitude.
I asked John for help, but he was totally frigid.
Cold weather expressions
Bundle up
This is a phrasal verb that means wearing many layers of heavy clothes to protect against cold weather.
You should bundle up if you're going outside.
It's time to go, kids. Bundle up!
It’s (really) coming down.
This expression is used for both snow and rain. It's a casual way of saying it is either snowing or raining very heavily.
It's really coming down. All of the roads are closed.
Snowed in
Some areas can experience very heavy snowfall in the winter. Sometimes it can be so heavy that it becomes difficult for people to even leave their house or apartment. In those cases, we say they are "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 snow days. These are days in which there is so much snow that schools close in order for students to stay safe at home.
I spent the snow day playing video games and reading comics in my pajamas.
Shiver
This is a verb that describes the way people's bodies shake when they are cold.
We shivered on the corner while we waited for the bus to arrive.
I can’t feel my face.
When it's extremely cold, we can sometimes lose feeling in different parts of our bodies.
I couldn't feel my face after spending a few minutes outside.
Brrr
Unlike the other words on this list, "brrr" is not an adjective, verb or other traditional part of speech.
Instead, it's a casual expression people often use to express that they're feeling cold. 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 have worn a heavier coat!
Wrap-up
Don't forget that adjectives for weather are often used together with adverbs such as "quite," "pretty," "totally" and even "super."
- super cold
- a bit chilly
- quite nippy
- absolutely freezing
Be sure to learn them all so you will be prepared no matter what combination you hear when chatting with friends or tutors.
Stay warm and study hard!
