Definition of the word stone cold

The phrase "stone cold" is an American English expression that is used to describe someone or something that is extremely cold and unfeeling. The origin of this term can be traced back to the 1920s or 1930s, during the height of the prohibition in the United States. During this time, bootleggers would keep their illicit moonshine in refrigerated spaces, known as icehouses, to help preserve it. At night, they would fill these spaces with large blocks of ice called icebergs, which were cut from lakes or rivers. As these icebergs melted, they would fill the space with cold water, creating a steady supply of freezing temperatures. The term "stone cold" is a reference to these icebergs, which would become "stone cold" when they had completely melted and turned to water. This expressed both the utter coldness of the ice as well as its hardness, like a solid stone. In slang, stone cold was adopted by criminals as a term to describe someone who was not emotionally moved or affected by what they were seeing or hearing. This usage has since spread into popular culture and is often used to describe someone who is emotionless or lacks sympathy. Today, the phrase "stone cold" continues to be used in various contexts, from sports broadcasts to mainstream culture. It communicates an idea of complete stoicism, resolve, or unfeelingness in a situation where such a state is desired or admirable.