A cold fish

usgb
noun

A person who is unwelcoming or unfriendly.

He did all his duties but remained a cold fish throughout the party.
Visual representation of "a cold fish" - A person who is unwelcoming or unfriendly

Often appears as...

  • be a cold fish
  • act like a cold fish

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "a cold fish"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Colloquial Use

The phrase is informal and best used in casual conversation or creative writing, not in formal settings.

Illustration for Colloquial Use
When he didn't bother to greet us, I realized he was a bit of a cold fish.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emotional Distance

Implies a lack of emotional warmth or interest in others' feelings, not just general unfriendliness.

Illustration for Emotional Distance
Even after the good news, she acted like a cold fish, barely smiling.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Subtle Negative

Using 'a cold fish' subtly communicates a negative judgment about someone's social behavior.

Illustration for Subtle Negative
The new manager is a cold fish; he never joins in on the team lunches.
Visual representation of the word "A cold fish"

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