The phrase "gives the cold shoulder to" is a common idiom meaning to ignore or reject someone. The spelling is straightforward, but the pronunciation may be tricky for non-native speakers. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /ɡɪvzðəkoldˈʃoʊldərtuː/. The "v" sound is followed by a "z" sound, and "th" is pronounced as "ð". The stress is on the second syllable of "shoulder". Knowing the correct pronunciation can help you use this phrase with confidence in your conversations.
To give the cold shoulder to someone is an idiomatic expression that means to deliberately ignore or treat someone with indifference, disdain, or aloofness. It involves intentionally excluding or snubbing an individual, usually in a social context, by conveying a lack of interest, attention, or acknowledgment towards them. This phrase is often used to describe a scenario where one person deliberately avoids engaging in conversation or showing any form of warmth or affection towards another person.
By giving the cold shoulder, individuals intentionally distance themselves from the person they are ignoring, metaphorically providing them a chilly reception, devoid of any warmth or friendliness. This action can be a way of displaying disapproval, expressing anger, asserting dominance, or seeking to elicit a reaction from the person being ignored.
This expression possesses an intriguing historical origin. In the 19th century, it was customary for hosts to serve hot meals to guests they wished to welcome, while those they showed less favor to received a cold shoulder of meat instead. The cold shoulder conveyed that the guest should leave, as their presence wasn't desired. Over time, the phrase evolved and acquired the meaning it currently holds today.
Overall, giving the cold shoulder refers to a deliberate act of disregarding or ignoring someone, making them feel unwelcome, unimportant, or rejected by refusing to interact with them in a socially expected or appropriate manner.