We all do it … talk about the weather that is, but perhaps without realizing it.
Over time, the weather has had an influence on our language. If you listen to casual conversations during the course of a day, you’ll detect weather words that have made their way into our everyday language.
Let me share a few of my favourites with you:
The farm girl in me has to admit that this one is at the top of my list:
- Make hay when the sun shines: To make the most of an opportunity while it lasts.
- Cloud nine: If you are on cloud nine, you are extremely happy.
- The cold shoulder: To ignore someone, usually as a passive-aggressive form of punishment or disapproval.
- Take a rain check: If you take a rain check, you decline an offer now, suggesting you will accept it later.
Now that I’ve started you off, I’d like to hear from you. I hope you’ll take the time to share your favourite weather expressions with me.
I should make it clear that an expression is a word or phrase, especially an idiomatic one, used to convey an idea. So I’m not looking for weather folklore or proverbs … not right now anyway.
That’s the homework I’m leaving with you. I’ll check back after Easter when I return from vacation. I’m off to Cuba so I’ll keep my ears peeled for expressions that might not be as common here in Canada.
While I’m away, please keep those amazing photos, letters and drawings coming: weathermail@weatherbyday.
- Read more Weather University columns.
Cindy Day is the chief meteorologist for SaltWire Network.
