baltic

Everyday

1. The Baltic Sea is a sea in northern Europe, surrounded by countries such as Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany and Denmark. tree →
2. The Baltic states are Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, three countries on its eastern shore. tree →
3. Baltic describes things from that region: Baltic amber, Baltic languages (Latvian and Lithuanian). tree →
4. (UK, slang) «It's Baltic!» means it is freezing cold. tree →

In the lessons

In geography lessons the Baltic Sea is a fairly shallow, not very salty sea that freezes in parts in winter. In history and news, the Baltic states were taken into the Soviet Union and became independent again; they are now in the EU and NATO. In everyday British, Irish and Scottish slang, «Baltic» means very cold weather. Phrases: the Baltic Sea, the Baltic states, Baltic amber, it's Baltic out there (UK slang).

Examples

• The Baltic Sea is less salty than the ocean. tree →
• Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are called the Baltic states. tree →
• Amber from the Baltic often has tiny insects trapped inside. tree →
• Ferries cross the Baltic between Sweden and Finland. tree →
• (slang, UK) Shut the door, it's Baltic in here! tree →
• (slang, Scotland) It was absolutely Baltic at the bus stop this morning. tree →
• Parts of the Baltic freeze over in winter. tree →
• Lithuanian is a Baltic language. tree →
• On the Baltic Sea, near the Danish shore'-- tree →

Note

A name, so it is written with a capital B: Baltic. Pronounced «BAWL-tik». The slang «it's Baltic» is informal and used mainly in Scotland, northern England and Ireland; in school writing say «very cold» or «freezing». Not to be confused with the Balkans (south-eastern Europe).