nippy

Everyday

1. (informal, UK and Australia) Nippy means cold, especially with a sharp, biting chill: a nippy morning. tree →
2. (informal) Nippy means quick and lively, able to move fast: a nippy little car. tree →
3. (rare) Nippy describes a dog likely to nip or bite. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday British and Australian talk «It's a bit nippy out» means it is cold, so take a coat. In sport a nippy winger is fast and hard to catch. Phrases: «a bit nippy», «nippy little car», «nippy winger».

Examples

• Wrap up warm, it's a bit nippy this morning. tree →
• The wind was nippy on the beach. tree →
• Our new car is small and nippy in traffic. tree →
• She's a nippy little player who dodges every tackle. tree →
• That terrier can be nippy with strangers. tree →
• It gets nippy at night in the desert. tree →
• “You’re so nippy at it,” John said, “couldn’t you do it very slowly once?” tree →

Note

Informal, friendly word. Comparatives «nippier», «nippiest». From «nip» (a small bite, or a sharp chill). «Nippy» means fairly cold, not freezing.