cold as a mackerel
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Very cold (in temperature, emotionally, etc.).
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
“I tell you, Governor, that in those days they weren’t ashamed to have a little good liquor around to warm the insides
Quoted attestation: 1920, Fire Service (Official organ of the Fire Marshals’ Association of North America, and Eastern Association of Superintendents of Fire and Police Telegraph), 6 March, 1920, p. 7,
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Completely unconscious.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “cold as a mackerel” mean?
Very cold (in temperature, emotionally, etc.).
Is “cold as a mackerel” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.