nippy
adjective C2
Plain meaning
cold in a sharp, unpleasant way; also quick in informal use
Exam-register meaning
In formal or high-level texts, it is used to describe cold in a sharp, unpleasant way; also quick in informal use, often with a precise or specialised tone.
In context
naturalHis response sounded nippy, so the conversation became difficult.
examThe passage presents a nippy assessment of the policy’s wider consequences.
Common collocations
a nippy responsenippy behavioura nippy situation
Watch out
Do not use “very nippy” automatically; some advanced adjectives already carry a strong meaning or need a more natural intensifier.
Word family
nippyness (noun, where natural)nippyly (adverb, where natural)