And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English. On this program, we explore words and expressions in the English language. We give definitions, examples, notes on usage, and sometimes we use them in short conversations.

In a recent science report we explained about a weather system called the polar vortex. It caused a snowball effect on extreme weather around the world. The event led to record-high temperatures in many parts of the world. But much of North America had to deal with extreme cold. Some areas recorded temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius. In an earlier Words and Their Stories program, we explained how to use the expression snowball effect to describe a situation where one action or event causes many other similar actions or events. Are you thinking that there must be many more English expressions related to snow, ice, and cold weather? You are right! The term “snowball effect” is just the tip of the iceberg! Or, to put it another way, we have many more expressions in American English related to the cold weather. So, today we will explore some winter words and expressions.