What does “Snowbirds” mean?
The phrase "Snowbirds" refers to people from colder states who choose to live in warmer states during the winter season. These individuals escape the cold weather by relocating to a more enjoyable climate temporarily.
How is the expression used in real life?
Example
Many snowbirds escape the cold and spend their winters in Florida.
Example
The retirement community is full of snowbirds from up north.
Example
My grandparents are snowbirds and they love their winter home in Arizona.
What context can I use each expression in?
- 1Describing people who migrate to warmer states during winter
Many snowbirds escape the cold and spend their winters in Florida.
The retirement community is full of snowbirds from up north.
- 2Referring to individuals who have a winter home in a warmer state
My grandparents are snowbirds and they love their winter home in Arizona.
The town's population doubles during the winter due to the influx of snowbirds.
- 3Talking about the lifestyle and habits of seasonal migrants
The local businesses cater to the needs of snowbirds during the winter months.
The snowbirds bring a vibrant energy to the community during the winter season.
Good things to know:
What is the origin of the phrase?
The term "snowbirds" originated in the United States and is commonly used in regions with a significant seasonal migration of people. It is believed to have originated in the 1920s and gained popularity over time.
Can the phrase be used on its own?
The term "snowbirds" is typically used within a sentence to describe a specific group of people. It is not commonly used on its own.
Is the phrase offensive?
The term "snowbirds" is not offensive. It is a descriptive term used to refer to people from colder states who live in warmer states during the winter.
Audience for the phrase
The term "snowbirds" is commonly used and understood by people living in regions with a significant seasonal migration, such as the United States. It is also understood by individuals familiar with the concept of winter migration.
Is the phrase specific to an accent or country?
The term "snowbirds" is primarily used in the United States, particularly in regions with a significant seasonal migration of people. It is less commonly used in other English-speaking regions.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- winter birds
- winter migrants
- snow migrants
- winter travelers
- winter escapees
Antonyms
- locals
- year-round residents
- permanent residents
- non-migratory residents
- permanent settlers