COLD SHOULDERINGS Meaning and
Definition
-
Cold shoulderings refers to the act of purposely ignoring or excluding someone, often accompanied by a deliberate display of indifference or aloofness. This term is often used in a social context, describing a situation where an individual or a group intentionally marginalizes another person, rendering them invisible or unwelcome in a particular setting or social circle.
The expression derives from the literal physical gesture of turning one's shoulder towards someone, refusing to face them or engage in conversation. The cold shoulderings can manifest in various ways, such as ignoring the person's presence, refusing to acknowledge their input or opinions, or deliberately avoiding any form of social interaction. It is an emotionally hurtful behavior that can cause feelings of isolation, rejection, and self-doubt in the individual who is being cold-shouldered.
Cold shoulderings can occur for a plethora of reasons, including personal conflicts, jealousy, resentment, or as a means of exerting power and control within a social dynamic. It can happen in both formal and informal settings, such as workplaces, schools, social events, and even within families or close-knit communities.
Although it may be a passive-aggressive way of expressing disapproval or administering punishment, the consequences of cold shoulderings can be severe and long-lasting. It can damage relationships, harm an individual's self-esteem, and create a toxic atmosphere of tension and hostility.
Common Misspellings for COLD SHOULDERINGS
- cold-shouldering
- xold shoulderings
- vold shoulderings
- fold shoulderings
- dold shoulderings
- cild shoulderings
- ckld shoulderings
- clld shoulderings
- cpld shoulderings
- c0ld shoulderings
- c9ld shoulderings
- cokd shoulderings
- copd shoulderings
- cood shoulderings
- cols shoulderings
- colx shoulderings
- colc shoulderings
- colf shoulderings
- colr shoulderings
- cole shoulderings
Etymology of COLD SHOULDERINGS
The term "cold shoulderings" is derived from the phrase "give someone the cold shoulder". The etymology of "give someone the cold shoulder" dates back to the 19th century, and the exact origin is uncertain. However, there are a few theories regarding its etymology.
One theory suggests that the phrase may have originated from the practice of serving unwanted or inferior food to guests. In this case, the host would serve a cold shoulder of a large roast rather than carving a fresh, warm portion for their guest, signaling their unwelcome or unimportant status. However, this theory lacks concrete evidence.
Another theory proposes that the phrase might be inspired by social behaviors. For instance, a host may offer his guests a warm reception, but when someone was undesired or unwelcome, they would be met with a figurative "cold shoulder" – a display of indifference or cool treatment.
