2007-02-06 09:18:37 · 17 answers · asked by periacs 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I've never heard that...or said it.
But I have seen Hell freeze over. Very disconcerting, it was.
2007-02-06 09:21:19 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Actually, "Colder than hell," is a pretty accurate statement for a cold day.
The word translated into English as "hell," came from the Greek word, "hades" (pronounced hay-deez), and an old Hebrew word, "sheol" (pronounced shee-ol). Both of these words were used anciently to refer to the grave, which is about 40 degrees farenheight, plus or minus a little. So, "colder than hell," would, in its most accurate interpretation, mean that it is colder than about 40 degrees, give or take.
2007-02-06 17:27:11 · answer #2 · answered by View from a horse 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Because Hel is cold! The phrase had nothing to do with the Christian idea of Hell, that's why it makes no sense. Christians stole the word from the Norse. Hel is the Nordic Goddess of the underworld, her realm is a very chilly one, (with no fiery lakes). To say something it colder than Hel means it's colder then the Norse underworld or more chilly then the Goddess Hel herself.
2007-02-06 17:23:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Maybe someone on the inside knows that Hell is expanding at a rate faster than the increase of souls in Hell, therefore hell is indeed cold.
maybe it comes from dantes inferno
maybe its referring to the fact that if hell is indeed filled with a bunch of sinners and some obvious callous individuals that were more than likely considered "a cold hearted person"..and thats were the phrase comes from?
2007-02-06 17:27:52 · answer #4 · answered by Sheriff of R&S 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I know what you mean. . .hell isn't supposed to be cold.
However, when I say that it's colder than Christmas, that's usually true. Around this part of Missouri, it normally doesn't get cold until January, so I can use that expression and be spot on.
2007-02-06 17:23:06 · answer #5 · answered by Wolfeblayde 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Up until the about the 11th century or so, hell was thought of as a place of ice and cold, not the now known fire and brimstone
2014-04-12 20:49:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hell has become a common cuss word. Just another word. People don't think about the meaning so that they don't have to think about the place waiting for them if they don't believe in God.
The Christian community hasn't been making a stand lately, and we slowly adopted it as well.
2007-02-06 17:22:10 · answer #7 · answered by bradley 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Dante said the lowest circle of Hell is a frozen place.
Who knows?
2007-02-06 17:22:00 · answer #8 · answered by Adoptive Father 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Your right about that so in that case we are never wrong when we say that. I myself usually say colder than a well digger's a**s in Alaska.
2007-02-06 17:25:49 · answer #9 · answered by JUAN FRAN$$$ 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I say colder that the balls on a brass monkey. Makes sense if you know what a brass monkey is...
2007-02-06 17:21:40 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋