cool
C1Informal and slang for its non-temperature meanings; standard for its literal temperature meaning.
Definition
Meaning
Slightly or moderately cold; low in temperature but not freezing.
To lose heat; to become less warm; to calm down or become less excited. As an adjective: fashionable, impressive, excellent; socially adept, calm, and composed; acceptable, permissible (slang). As an interjection: expressing approval or acceptance.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Highly polysemous word. The slang uses form a complex semantic network based on the conceptual metaphor CALMNESS/APPROVAL IS COLDNESS. The shift from literal temperature to social approval is a core feature of its semantics.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. The slang meanings originated in American English and are now fully integrated into British English, though some older British speakers may perceive the 'fashionable' sense as more American. Spelling and phrasal verb use (cool off/down) are identical.
Connotations
Identical in modern usage. The 'fashionable' sense may still carry a slight American cultural association in the UK.
Frequency
The slang/adjectival meanings are extremely high-frequency in both varieties. The literal temperature meaning is standard and common in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
V: cool (sth) down/offAdj: cool (with sth/to sb)Adj: look/sound/seem coolAdj: keep/stay coolV: cool your heelsVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “cool as a cucumber”
- “blow one's cool”
- “lose one's cool”
- “play it cool”
- “cool your heels”
- “cool, calm, and collected”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare in formal documents. Used informally: 'We need to let the market cool before launching.'
Academic
Used in scientific contexts for temperature ('cooling cycle'). Slang uses are avoided.
Everyday
Extremely frequent for all meanings: temperature, social approval, composure.
Technical
In thermodynamics, computing ('CPU cooling'), or materials science ('cooled to a critical temperature').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Let the tea cool for a minute before you drink it.
- He went for a walk to cool off after the argument.
- The fan helps cool the engine down.
American English
- Cool the pie on the rack before slicing.
- Things will cool down between them eventually.
- They cooled their heels in the waiting room for an hour.
adverb
British English
- He played it cool when she walked in.
- Just act cool and nobody will suspect anything.
American English
- She told me to play it cool during the interview.
- You gotta stay cool under pressure.
adjective
British English
- It's a bit cool outside, so take a jacket.
- She remained remarkably cool during the crisis.
- That's a really cool bike you've got!
American English
- We had a cool evening by the lake.
- He gave a cool response to the proposal.
- Your new apartment is so cool!
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The water is cool and nice.
- It's cool in the shade.
- Your dress is cool!
- A cool wind blew from the sea.
- Stay cool and don't panic.
- Is it cool if I join you later?
- The metal will gradually cool to room temperature.
- He's known for his cool demeanour in negotiations.
- The initial hype has started to cool off.
- The judge gave the proposal a decidedly cool reception.
- Her avant-garde designs were considered the epitome of cool in the 90s.
- Investors are waiting for the market to cool before re-entering.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a cucumber salad on a hot day: it's cool in temperature, and it helps you stay cool (calm). If it's served in a trendy restaurant, it's also cool (fashionable).
Conceptual Metaphor
APPROVAL/FASHION/COMPOSURE IS COLDNESS (e.g., cool customer, cool idea, cool reception). This contrasts with the metaphor EXCITEMENT/ANGER IS HEAT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'cool' (fashionable) as 'холодный'. Use 'крутой', 'классный', or 'стильный'.
- The phrase 'cool down' (calm down) is 'успокоиться', not 'охладиться'.
- 'It's cool' (permission) is 'ничего', 'нормально', 'можно', not 'это холодно'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'cool' in very formal writing where 'fashionable', 'composed', or 'chilly' is required.
- Incorrect valency: 'I cooled him' (ambiguous) vs. 'I cooled him down' (calmed).
- Overusing the slang term in contexts where it sounds immature or inappropriate.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence does 'cool' mean 'socially permissible or acceptable'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Its literal temperature meaning is standard and neutral. Its meanings related to fashion, approval, and composure are informal or slang and should be avoided in formal writing.
They are often interchangeable when referring to becoming less hot or less angry. 'Cool down' is more common for physical cooling (engines, athletes). 'Cool off' can imply a period of time to reduce anger or passion.
Yes. As a verb: 'Cool the soup.' As an adjective for temperature: 'cool weather'; for demeanour: 'a cool response'; for approval: 'a cool film'.
This usage originated in African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) in the 1930s-40s, associated with jazz culture. It draws on the conceptual link between emotional control (coolness) and stylish sophistication.
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