A cool or distant manner; lack of friendliness or warmth in someone's behavior, especially diplomatic coolness or reserve.
French word literally meaning 'coldness' (from 'froid' = cold), adopted into English in the 18th century. Originally used to describe the calculated distance aristocrats or diplomats maintained, it retained its French pronunciation and elegance.
This French word became essential in English diplomatic language because it perfectly captures a specific kind of coldness—not hostile anger, but the icy politeness of someone who's deliberately keeping you at arm's length.
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