In regions with frequent cold weather, various expressions describe chilly conditions. People might say it's "a bit nippy," evoking the almost painful feeling of cold on the skin, reminiscent of Jack Frost.
In the UK, an expression claims it's "cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey."
Supposedly, cannonballs were stored on a brass frame called a 'monkey,' and in extreme cold, the brass would contract, causing the cannonballs to spill.
However, this story has flaws, including the lack of historical evidence for 'monkey' as the frame's name and the unlikeliness of brass contracting fast enough to cause the described effect. The phrase was initially recorded as 'freeze the tail off a brass monkey,' suggesting a humorous reference to metal figures becoming very cold in chilly weather.
Vocabulary:
• Contraction: The reduction in size or volume of something.
• Essential: Absolutely necessary; crucial.
• Humorous: Funny or entertaining in a clever and witty way.
• Reminiscent: Tending to remind one of something
• Flaws: Imperfections or weaknesses.
• Likelihood: The probability or chance of something happening.
• Evoking: Bringing a feeling, memory, or image to mind.
• Supposedly: According to what is generally believed or assumed.
Source: Oxford languages