cold answer

[koʊld ˈænsər]
nounpl: cold answers
resposta fria
1. A reply that is distant, unfriendly, or lacking warmth and enthusiasm
When I asked him about the project, I received only a cold answer that left me uncertain about his true feelings.
Quando perguntei sobre o projeto, recebi apenas uma resposta fria que me deixou incerto sobre seus verdadeiros sentimentos.
2. A brief, curt response that shows indifference or deliberate emotional distance
Her cold answer to his marriage proposal devastated him completely.
Sua resposta fria ao pedido de casamento o devastou completamente.
3. A factual or clinical response without emotional engagement or personal connection
The doctor gave a cold answer about the diagnosis without offering any emotional support.
O médico deu uma resposta fria sobre o diagnóstico sem oferecer qualquer apoio emocional.
In both Brazilian and American English contexts, a 'cold answer' signifies social discomfort or deliberate emotional withdrawal. In Brazilian culture, this is often considered quite offensive as Brazilians typically value warmth and personal connection in interactions. In the USA, it might be seen as professional distance or deliberate coolness. The phrase is commonly used in romantic contexts to describe rejection.
NYC Slang
dead response or brushoff
Synonyms / Sinônimos
curt replydistant responsedetached answerfrosty replycool response
Antonyms / Antônimos
warm answerfriendly responseheartfelt replyenthusiastic answer

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
resposta fria
Standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
resposta gelada
More colloquial variant meaning 'icy answer'
São Paulo
resposta distante
More formal variant meaning 'distant answer'
Portugal
resposta fria
Same as Brazilian Portuguese, standard usage

Related Words

coldnessindifferenceapathydetachmentaloofness

Related Idioms & Phrases

give someone the cold shoulder
a frosty reception
leave someone out in the cold
cold as ice
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