cold fish
nounEtymology Coined by William Shakespeare in 1611, see quotations.
1
Idiomatic A heartless individual; a person lacking empathy and emotion.
Potentially endearing
- […]it was thought ſhe was a Woman, and was turn'd into a cold fiſh, for ſhe wold not exchange fleſh with one that lou'd her: […]c. 1610–1611 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Winters Tale”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act IV, scene iv], page 293, column 2:
- He wouldn't have thought her such a cold fish. Pity. Still, there was plenty of time. Perhaps when she got used to his company she would thaw a little.1993, Lisanne Norman, Turning Point:
1 more example
- You're a cold fish. You have no heart.2003, Robert Wilson, The Blind Man of Seville, →ISBN, page 13:
2
Slang A sexual partner who, during sex, lacks vigor or emotional reciprocity.
- Ah, don't be such a cold fish!