brain-freeze
/ˈbreɪn ˌfriːz/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A sudden, short headache caused by eating or drinking something very cold too quickly. It usually goes away in a few seconds.
- I got brain-freeze from the milkshake.
- Slow down, or you'll get brain-freeze.
- The ice cream gave her brain-freeze.
Adinary Nuance
Brain-freeze is more specific than headache. It means a quick pain from cold food or drink, not a general head pain. It is also more casual than a medical term, so people use it in everyday conversation. Writers choose it when they want a clear, familiar phrase for that sharp cold feeling.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- đau đầu do lạnh
- Spanish
- dolor de cabeza por frío
- Chinese
- 冰激凌头痛
- Japanese
- アイスクリーム頭痛
- Korean
- 아이스크림 두통
Etymology
Brain-freeze is a modern compound of brain and freeze. It became common in English in the late 20th century, especially in North American speech.
Common phrases
get brain-freezehave brain-freezegive someone brain-freeze
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is brain-freeze a real medical problem?
- Usually, no. It is a temporary pain that goes away quickly.
- What causes brain-freeze?
- Cold food or drink can make the nerves in your mouth and head react fast.
- Is brain-freeze formal or informal?
- It is informal. People use it in speech and casual writing.
- What is the difference between brain-freeze and headache?
- Brain-freeze is sudden and caused by cold food or drink. A headache can have many causes.