Definition

Noun: A clear, intentional act of ignoring someone or showing them deliberate indifference; a pointed refusal to acknowledge or be friendly toward a person one knows.

Usage

The term "cold shoulder" is used to describe a social rebuff. It implies a deliberate and often hurtful act of ignoring someone, typically as a form of punishment, rejection, or to show disapproval. It is almost always used with the definite article "the" (to give someone the cold shoulder).

Examples

• After their argument, she gave him the cold shoulder for a week.
• I tried to apologize, but all I got was the cold shoulder.
• The manager's cold shoulder made the new employee feel unwelcome.

Advanced Usage

• To give someone the cold shoulder: This is the standard verb phrase used with this noun. It means to intentionally ignore or be unfriendly to someone.
  • Example: "Why are you giving me the cold shoulder? What did I do?"
• To get/receive the cold shoulder: This describes the experience of being ignored.
  • Example: "He got the cold shoulder from the entire committee after his controversial remarks."

Variants and Related Words

• Cold-shoulder (verb): A less common verb form meaning to treat with deliberate indifference or snub.
  • Example: "She felt cold-shouldered by her former friends."
• Snub (noun/verb): A close synonym, meaning a blunt or contemptuous rejection or dismissal.

Synonyms

Snub, rebuff, slight, brush-off, disregard, indifference.

Related Idioms

• To turn a cold shoulder: An older, less common variant with the same meaning as "to give the cold shoulder."
  • Example: "The community turned a cold shoulder to the outsiders."

Noun

1. a refusal to recognize someone you know
   • the snub was clearly intentional