Meaning
To intentionally ignore someone or be unfriendly to them.
Cultural Background
The phrase is widely understood and used in everyday British English. Very common in American English, often used in workplace and social contexts. Used similarly to the UK and US, often in casual conversation. Standard usage, consistent with other English-speaking countries.
Use it for actions
Remember that this is an action. You 'give' it, you don't 'have' it.
Don't use in business
It is too informal for professional emails or reports.
Meaning
To intentionally ignore someone or be unfriendly to them.
Use it for actions
Remember that this is an action. You 'give' it, you don't 'have' it.
Don't use in business
It is too informal for professional emails or reports.
Passive-aggressive
Be aware that this phrase describes a negative, passive-aggressive behavior.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
After the argument, she _________ me the cold shoulder.
The sentence is in the past tense.
Choose the correct meaning of the phrase.
What does 'give someone the cold shoulder' mean?
It is an idiom for intentional ignoring.
Match the phrase with its synonym.
Match: Give the cold shoulder
They both mean to not acknowledge someone.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Why is he not talking to me? B: I think he's _________.
This fits the context of someone not talking.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAfter the argument, she _________ me the cold shoulder.
The sentence is in the past tense.
What does 'give someone the cold shoulder' mean?
It is an idiom for intentional ignoring.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
They both mean to not acknowledge someone.
A: Why is he not talking to me? B: I think he's _________.
This fits the context of someone not talking.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is generally considered rude and passive-aggressive.
No, it is too informal and negative.
Yes, it is a fixed idiom.
Then you are not giving them the cold shoulder.
Ghosting is usually permanent and digital; the cold shoulder is often temporary and face-to-face.
Yes, but it is less common than 'He gave me the cold shoulder'.
Yes, it is standard in all major English dialects.
It can last from a few minutes to several days.
No, it is used for friends, family, and coworkers.
It represents a lack of warmth or affection.
Related Phrases
The silent treatment
synonymRefusing to speak to someone.
Freeze someone out
synonymTo exclude someone from a group.
Turn your back on
similarTo stop helping or supporting someone.
Give the brush-off
similarTo dismiss someone quickly.
