Copywriting in Devon perhaps allows for more outdoor time than most jobs. Ever optimistic, I spent an hour or so this morning searching for signs of spring. I spotted a few (they come early to Devon) but am predicting a wintery blast or two before the spring warm up (last year we had snow on the beaches in February). As January is officially the middle of winter, I thought we might have a bit of fun today with a few useful (and not so useful) winter words. Do let me know if you have a favourite of your own.

Anorak

Anoraks have a bad press, you aren’t allowed to wear matching ones and, if you find yourself being called one, it is likely that your hobby is being sneered at (personally I like looking at trains as much as I like copywriting). However, an anorak is a very useful device. Borrowed from the Greenlanders (who definitely know how to do winter), an anoraq is a waterproof coat with a hood. We all wear them… but none of us admit to doing so.

Snowbound

Not as uncomfortable as being egg bound but perhaps more fun than being homeward bound, your enjoyment of being snowbound is almost certainly going to be directly related to your global positioning. If, for example, you were snowbound on the M1 with only a dog and a cold flask of tea for company, you might be less impressed than if you were snowbound with a group of lady friends in a cosy house with soup, a wood burning stove and no prospect of getting to work (or in my case getting work done).

Balaclava

Worn by racing drivers, special forces and winter sports enthusiasts, the balaclava is the ultimate in hat and scarf combination (a winner I’m sure you’ll agree). Originally knitted in wool for soldiers fighting in the Crimean War (some of whom would have been near to Balaclava the port), this warmth trap is now available in all kinds of modern, quick-drying materials. I have a pink and purple one… and I’m not afraid to use it!

Bitter

Here in Devon winters are far more likely to be soggy than bitter. Bitter however would be my preference. Not least because going out into bitter weather smacks of adventure and endurance whereas setting off into the soggy mist just makes you sound (and feel) like a wet jumper. Bitter is also a useful adjective for describing a person and once again, although being bitter is not an attractive quality, it is a darn sight more sexy than being soggy!

Arctic

We often refer to Arctic conditions but, in fact, the Antarctic is generally colder. Maybe it is the image of armies of balaclava-clad ants that puts us off, or the fact that remembering to type the ‘c’ in Arctic is hard enough without adding any insect prefixes. I’m led to believe that we can be expecting some Arctic conditions later this month… with weather from the actual Arctic. You’ll be needing those anoraks!

This week, here at Fi Darby Freelance, in between winter walks and sea swims, we will be writing about water softeners, Australian subsidies, campervan cooking and hedgerow foraging. An eclectic mix, I am sure you’ll agree, but I enjoy it all… and would love the opportunity to do some writing for you… view my writing portfolio and get in touch to find out more!