Third person singular of 'nip'; pinches or bites sharply and quickly. Moves rapidly to catch or stop something, often referring to cold weather affecting exposed skin.
From Middle Low German 'nipen' or Dutch 'nijpen' meaning 'to pinch.' The word entered English in the 14th century, originally describing the action of crabs or similar creatures, then expanded to any sharp, quick pinching motion.
The word perfectly captures the swift, surprising nature of certain sensations - like how winter air seems to reach out and grab your cheeks with tiny, sharp fingers. There's something almost mischievous about 'nipping,' as if the cold or a small animal is playing a quick prank on you.
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