Weather
Brass monkey weather
Meaning
Extremely cold weather. The full expression is ‘Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey’.
Examples
The weatherman says minus 10 degrees and strong winds for tomorrow. That’s brass monkey weather.
Where did it originate?
The UK and USA in the early 20th century.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, mostly among people in their 20/40s, as a slang expression.
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Currant bun
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for sun.
Examples
It’s rained every day for ages. I can’t remember the last time I saw the currant bun.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
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Dog days of summer
Meaning
The hottest days of the summer season.
Examples
I’m roasting – I suppose we should expect that on the dog days.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 14th century, deriving ultimately from ancient Rome.
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It never rains but it pours
Meaning
When troubles come they often come together.
Examples
The boiler broke down, the weather turned freezing and Jack’s got the flu. It never rains but it pours!
Where did it originate?
Britain, 18th century.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but somewhat old-fashioned.
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On cloud nine
Meaning
Blissfully happy.
Examples
The day after George proposed to her, Mildred won the lottery. She’s on cloud nine.
Where did it originate?
USA, 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Potatoes (or taters) in the mould
Meaning
Cockney rhyming slang for cold.
Examples
Whoa, it’s the coldest day of the winter so far – really taters.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
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Raining cats and dogs
Meaning
Raining very heavily.
Examples
The monsoon will be here soon – then it will rain cats and dogs.
Where is it used?
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Under the weather
Meaning
Feeling ill.
Examples
I’ve had a sore throat all week, now it’s turned to a cold. I’m feeling right under the weather.
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Winter drawers on
Meaning
British euphemistic joke.
Examples
Autumn is over and these summer clothes aren’t keeping the cold out – winter drawers on I suppose.
Where did it originate?
Britain, early 20th century. A pun on the expression ‘winter draws on’ (that is, winter is approaching). ‘Drawers’ is a British slang term for knickers.
Where is it used?
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