the cold blooded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the cold blooded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is unemotional, ruthless, or lacking compassion, often in a negative context. Example: "The detective described the suspect as the cold blooded killer who showed no remorse for his actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

I can understand not allowing games with the cold blooded murder of police officers….. oh wait….

TechCrunch

The cold blooded killer with the bright orange hair.

Huffington Post

For the cold blooded vertebrate common carp (Cyprinus carpio L ., not all IL-12 cytokine family members have been described.

Plosone

For the cold blooded vertebrate common carp, only the IL-12 subunits have been described so far.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Yep, always have been fascinated by the cold-blooded.

The New Yorker

Swordplay, bodice ripping, bawdy speech and the cold-blooded murder of the truth.

The New York Times

Tit-for-tat cycles of revenge now coincide with the cold-blooded logic of territorial control.

The Economist

Nothing excuses the cold-blooded slaughter of civilians that Bales is accused of.

The New York Times

This is the cold-blooded plea of a homesick vampire To his brother and friend.

The New Yorker

Then there are the cold-blooded invasive visitors from warmer climes — iguanas and pythons.

The New York Times

This is the cold-blooded murder of people going about their business".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the cold blooded" when you want to emphasize a lack of empathy or remorse in a person's actions or character.

Common error

Avoid using "the cold blooded" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly dramatic or insensitive. Opt for milder terms like "unemotional" or "detached" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the cold blooded" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it qualifies a noun, often referring to a person or action characterized by a lack of empathy, ruthlessness, or calculated behavior. Examples include describing a "killer" or "murder".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the cold blooded" is a descriptive adjective phrase, typically used in news and media to convey a strong negative sentiment about a person's actions or character. While grammatically correct and present in reputable sources, Ludwig AI confirms it's a relatively rare expression. When employing this phrase, be mindful of its harsh implications and consider softer alternatives like "the unemotional" or "the ruthless" depending on the context. Despite its correctness, overuse in informal settings can sound overly dramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the ruthless

Emphasizes lack of pity or compassion; focuses on mercilessness.

the heartless

Highlights a lack of empathy or feeling for others.

the merciless

Similar to 'ruthless', but can imply a lack of restraint or control.

the callous

Stresses indifference to the suffering of others.

the inhuman

Emphasizes a lack of human qualities such as empathy and compassion.

the unemotional

Focuses on the absence of feelings or emotional expression.

the calculating

Highlights strategic and methodical planning, often with a negative connotation.

the unsentimental

Focuses on the absence of emotional attachment or fondness.

the detached

Highlights emotional distance and lack of involvement.

the dispassionate

Focuses on the absence of strong emotions or passions; can sometimes imply objectivity.

FAQs

How can I describe someone who is "the cold blooded" in a less harsh way?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "the unemotional", "the calculating", or "the detached". These alternatives soften the intensity while still conveying a lack of warmth or empathy.

Is it appropriate to use "the cold blooded" in formal writing?

Yes, it can be appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing criminal behavior or a lack of compassion in serious situations. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it's not perceived as overly sensational.

What's the difference between "the cold blooded" and "the heartless"?

"The cold blooded" implies a lack of emotion and calculated action, while "the heartless" emphasizes a lack of empathy or feeling for others. While similar, "the cold blooded" often suggests a more deliberate and ruthless nature.

Can "the cold blooded" be used to describe animals?

While technically accurate in a biological sense (referring to animals that regulate their body temperature externally), using "the cold blooded" to describe animals in general conversation can be confusing. It's best to use it in a biological context or when drawing a metaphorical comparison to human behavior.