clap cold

[white_rose]

usually used to describe food which should be hot, can anyone tell me me where `clap cold` comes from. It may be a Northern expression.

[Quizmonster]

I suspect this version of 'clap' is a northern usage along the same lines as 'slap' as seen in phrases such as "slap-bang in the middle", meaning 'exactly' , 'completely', 'totally' etc. A clap and a slap are more or less synonymous in some circumstances, particularly in northern dialects.

[taichiperson]

My father in law (from Sheffield) used the expression 'clock cold', not just for food, but also water - eg the hot water tank being 'clock cold'. Mind you, he moved around a bit - could also come from Kent or Cumbria.

[white_rose]

Thanks for your replies. I`ve heard the expression many times but never questioned it`s origins until my daughter asked recently. I`ve never heard of `clock cold`. I would imagine that most people would say `stone cold`.

[AstroJill]

A friend of mine from the North East says 'Clay cold'.
Well, clay is, cold, innit?