cutting wind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cutting wind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in informal contexts to describe the act of passing gas or flatulence. Example: "After eating that spicy food, I couldn't help but start cutting wind during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

He was bundled against the cutting wind, and his hands were chapped from the cold.

The New York Times

The few squat sycamores vibrate with the sound of the wind, a cutting wind that chills and buffets.

The Guardian

According to news reports, he has pushed privately for reneging on carbon targets, cutting wind power subsidies and relying heavily long-term on natural gas.

The New York Times

In the horizontal blasts of cutting wind and freezing shards of ice from the nearby glaciers, it was hard enough to stand upright, let alone plant a tree.

The Guardian - Music

As a cutting wind whipped off the frigid sea and blew down the narrow streets lined with brightly painted storefronts, shivering pedestrians tightened their scarves and scurried into cozy bars and restaurants to find warmth.

The New York Times - Travel

Flags of Native Nations whip in the cutting wind, each speaking of solidarity with the Standing Rock tribe's opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline, or D.A.P.L., owned by Energy Transfer Partners and Sunoco Logistics.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

However if you don't have proper clothing, long journeys in open Zodiacs, in fierce cutting winds, can seriously chill the blood.

The Guardian - Travel

Temperatures in all 50 US states dipped below freezing on Tuesday in a rare nationwide chill that will keep a grip on much of the country for at least another day, with cutting winds and blizzards posing the most danger.

The Guardian

In autumn, eerie fogs rolled up from the surrounding bog and fen; in winter and spring, cutting winds blew off the Russian steppes, and in summer the moist air brought disease in the form of a local, virulent variant of recurrent plagues.

The Guardian

The cutting tip winds into the tree with a small core of the wood now inside.

The New York Times

The Scottish government said the centre would allow offshore wind developers and supply chain companies to test "cutting edge" wind technology before its commercial deployment.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing weather conditions, use "cutting wind" to vividly convey the sensation of a cold, penetrating breeze that feels sharp against the skin.

Common error

Avoid using "cutting wind" metaphorically when describing emotional pain or criticism. While "cutting" can describe words, "cutting wind" specifically relates to weather and physical sensation. Instead, use phrases like "bitter words" or "sharp criticism" for emotional contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cutting wind" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. The adjective "cutting" modifies the noun "wind", creating a vivid image of a cold and piercing wind. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cutting wind" effectively describes a cold, penetrating wind that feels sharp against the skin. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase vividly conveys a sensory experience. Alternatives like "bitter wind" and "icy wind" offer similar but nuanced descriptions. To avoid misuse, remember "cutting wind" refers specifically to weather and sensation, not emotional states. When using the phrase, consider the specific sensory impression you want to create for your reader. The sources show that the phrase is mainly found in the news and media environment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bitter wind

Replaces "cutting" with "bitter" to emphasize the unpleasant and harsh nature of the wind.

icy wind

Substitutes "cutting" with "icy" to highlight the cold and chilling quality of the wind.

piercing wind

Uses "piercing" instead of "cutting" to convey the wind's ability to penetrate through clothing and skin.

sharp wind

Replaces "cutting" with "sharp" to describe the wind's keen and biting edge.

raw wind

Emphasizes the harsh and unrefined nature of the wind by using "raw" instead of "cutting".

freezing wind

Highlights the extremely cold temperature associated with the wind.

arctic wind

Specifies that the wind is as cold as the Arctic region.

chilling wind

Focuses on the wind's ability to make one feel cold and uncomfortable.

biting wind

Emphasizes the aggressive and painful nature of the wind.

glacial wind

Implies that the wind is as cold and harsh as a glacier.

FAQs

How can I describe a "cutting wind" in more detail?

You can expand upon "cutting wind" by adding descriptive adjectives, such as "a fierce cutting wind", "a bitterly cutting wind", or "an icy cutting wind", to enhance the imagery.

What is a more formal way to say "cutting wind"?

While "cutting wind" is acceptable in many contexts, you might opt for "penetrating wind" or "bitterly cold wind" in more formal writing.

Is "cutting wind" the same as a "bitter wind"?

While similar, a "bitter wind" generally refers to a cold and unpleasant wind, whereas "cutting wind" emphasizes the sharp, piercing sensation it creates on the skin. They are often interchangeable, but the nuance differs slightly.

What causes a "cutting wind"?

A "cutting wind" is typically caused by cold air combined with a strong breeze, which together create a sharp, penetrating sensation. The lack of humidity can also contribute to the feeling of a "cutting wind".