student asking question

What does "get the chills" mean?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Great question. The informal phrase "I got chills" or "I've got chills" is an expression derived from 'to have chills' (and not to be confused with 'to have the chills') and is usually used to mean that the speaker is heavily impressed in some way by something. In the case of this clip, Erica is making fun of Dustin by using it for its second meaning producing an effect from being too cold. She does this knowing that Dustin will think she means she's impressed by what he said. Ex: I got chills when I heard her sing. (Impressed) Ex: I get the chills if I sleep with the air-conditioning on. (Cold)

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