chilly bin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (outside New Zealand); High (within New Zealand)Informal, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “chilly bin” mean?
A portable insulated container used to keep food and drinks cold, typically for picnics, barbecues, or outdoor events.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A portable insulated container used to keep food and drinks cold, typically for picnics, barbecues, or outdoor events.
In New Zealand English, the standard term for what is called a 'cooler' or 'cooler box' in other varieties of English. It may also refer humorously or regionally to any insulated container for keeping items cold.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is not standard in British or American English. British English typically uses 'cool box' or 'ice box'. American English uses 'cooler' or 'ice chest'. 'Chilly bin' is specific to New Zealand English.
Connotations
In NZE, it has neutral, everyday connotations. In other dialects, it would be recognized as a New Zealandism, possibly with quaint or humorous connotations.
Frequency
Virtually unused in the UK or US except in reference to New Zealand culture or by NZ expatriates.
Grammar
How to Use “chilly bin” in a Sentence
[Verb] the chilly bin (with [Noun])Take the chilly bin [Prepositional Phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in retail contexts selling outdoor or picnic goods in New Zealand.
Academic
Extremely rare, except in linguistic studies of World Englishes.
Everyday
Common in New Zealand for domestic and social situations involving outdoor food and drink.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chilly bin”
- Using 'chilly bin' in the US or UK where it is not understood.
- Spelling as 'chili bin' (confusing with the pepper or stew).
- Assuming it is a universal English term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not a standard term in British or American English. It is specific to New Zealand English. In the UK, 'cool box' is common, and in the USA, 'cooler' is standard.
It is a descriptive compound noun originating in New Zealand English. 'Chilly' means cold, and 'bin' means a container or receptacle.
No, it is exclusively a noun. You cannot 'chilly bin' something. You 'put something in the chilly bin' or 'pack the chilly bin'.
The most common Australian term is 'Esky', which is a trademarked brand name that has become genericised, similar to 'Hoover' for vacuum cleaners.
A portable insulated container used to keep food and drinks cold, typically for picnics, barbecues, or outdoor events.
Chilly bin is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Chilly bin: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪli bɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪli bɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As useful as a chilly bin at the beach (NZ informal - meaning very appropriate or handy).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BIN that keeps things CHILLY. It's the Kiwi way to keep your drinks cold on a hot summer day.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER FOR COLD (The bin is conceptualized as a holder or repository for coldness).
Practice
Quiz
'Chilly bin' is the standard term for a portable cold container in which variety of English?