WORDS THAT CAN BE MEASURED IN TEMPERATURE

From eggnog to mittens: 12 words that live in wintertime

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Most words can be used at any time of the year that we think is suitable. There is nothing wrong with discussing summer activities during winter time or vice-versa. But, as it is, some words tend to naturally appear more often in certain moments because of their very nature. Think of the term "chocolate egg" and when is that concept most often heard: Easter, of course, will come to mind.

Seasonal words are those expressions that come up more often during a certain time of the year. Read on and find twelve words that might make an appearance here and there, but take center stage during the coldest months of the year.

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Let us start with a chilly one. The word "blizzard," originating from the mid-19th century, describes a formidable snowstorm characterized by intense winds and low visibility due to blowing snow.

It comes from the German word blitz, meaning lightning, combined with the suffix "-ard," often used to signify something hard or harsh. This term gained prominence due to its association with winter's most ferocious weather conditions, commonly experienced in colder regions. The biting winds and heavy snowfall during winter create the perfect environment for blizzards to form.

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What's better after a chilly blizzard than a warm eggnog? An "eggnog" is a festive concoction synonymous with winter gatherings, carrying the spirit of the season in a creamy, spiced drink.

Originating in medieval Britain, this beverage initially blended ale or wine with eggs and spices, evolving into the creamy dairy-based treat we enjoy today. The term's etymology likely comes from nog, an Old English word for strong ale. Its popularity surges during winter due to its comforting warmth and association with holiday festivities, becoming a staple of seasonal celebrations.

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A word that, fortunately, is almost exclusively relegated to winter months, "avalanche" is a term that resonates with both awe and danger. An avalanche is a mass of snow, ice, and debris coming down a mountainside.

Originating from the French word avalanche, this fearsome term gained notoriety in the 18th century due to its occurrence in alpine regions. Its prevalence during winter emerges from the season's snowfall patterns, where heavy accumulations on steep slopes become unstable under various triggers like temperature changes or disturbances, leading to these dramatic and often hazardous events.

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A word thrown around quite a lot during winter time, "frost" is used to describe a delicate yet transformative phenomenon referring to the ice crystals that form when water vapor freezes onto surfaces, creating intricate patterns.

The word comes from the Old English term forst which is the freezing of water droplets. Its prevalence during winter is a direct consequence of the season's plummeting temperatures, causing moisture in the air to crystallize and settle on objects.

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A quintessentially fun winter word, especially if one is on the delivering end, "snowball" embodies the playful essence of winter. It is used to describe a compacted sphere of snow molded by hand.

This word gains prominence during winter due to its association with outdoor activities and the creation of snow-based games. From joyous snowball fights to crafting snowmen, the term "snowball" echoes the cheer and friendship that can bring warmth to the coldest months.

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A sled is a vehicle designed to glide over snow or ice, typically used for transportation or recreation during winter. Its origins come from Old English and Dutch roots, with sledde and slee respectively, describing a vehicle or platform on runners.

The word "sled" becomes omnipresent during winter due to its integral role in snowy activities, ranging from childhood fun to practical modes of transportation in snowy regions to competitive and even Olympic sports.

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One of the most wintry terms on this list and one of those words that we learn early in life through animated cartoons, "igloo" resonates with landscapes of the Arctic, signifying a traditional Inuit dwelling constructed from blocks of compacted snow.

Originating from the Inuit language, the word iglu means "house" or "dwelling". It describes ingenious architecture adapted to survive harsh winter conditions. Its prevalence during winter arises from its association with snowy environments and the brilliance of using snow as a building material.

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Much like eggnog, "earmuffs" is a warm word that is mostly used in the cold winter months. In its essence, "earmuffs" are protective coverings for the ears against cold weather. Its name comes from the simple combination of "ear" and "muffs," with "muffs" referring historically to a warm covering for the hands.

Originating in the late 19th century, earmuffs gained popularity due to their practicality in shielding ears from winter's biting cold. Their frequent mention during winter arises from their essential role in ensuring warmth and comfort during chilly temperatures.

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A verb that most of us never get to see in action –at least in the wild– but we almost surely know what it means, thanks in no small part to nature documentaries, "hibernate" comes from the Latin word hibernare. This is a state of inactivity, particularly associated with animals seeking refuge from the winter cold by slowing down bodily functions.

The term becomes more prevalent during winter as conversations about animal behavior, survival strategies, and even human tendencies to "hibernate" indoors during the cold months often bring forth this term.

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Another word from the realm of clothing, "mittens" are protective hand coverings with a joined thumb and a separate compartment for the other fingers.

The word comes from the Old French word mitaine. Their design maximizes warmth by allowing fingers to share heat, unlike gloves that separate fingers, making them more prevalent during winter.

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Another intrinsically wintry word, "snowflake" is the delicate crystalline form of frozen water vapor in an amazingly geometrical shape.

As the cold moves in, conversations often revolve around the enchanting imagery of these intricate formations, bringing up their role in the winter landscapes as a symbol of the season's icy beauty.

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Even in the Southern Hemisphere, where the Christmas season comes in the warmest summer months, the spirit of winter is all over the holiday, which shows just how strong the bond between Christmas and winter is.

Being one of the most festive of words to be connected with the wintry season, the term itself comes from the Old English Cristes mæsse, meaning "Christ's mass" and the event works as a sort of closure for the year, enwrapped in white snow, warm beverages, and hearty meals.