Why Give a Cold Shoulder

This expression, meaning to be antisocial, dismissive, or unwelcoming to someone, began in the first part of the 1800s. If someone you didn’t like showed up for dinner, the polite way to tell them to leave was to serve them a cold slice of shoulder meat from mutton, beef, or pork instead of a warm portion. I bet we all know someone who wouldn’t take the hint.

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