chill

Chill is a term with senses tied to coldness and calmness. As a noun or verb, it relates to cooling or a sensation of cold; to chill something means to refrigerate it, and a chill is a noticeable drop in temperature or a shiver. The phrase "the chill in the air" is common. The verb chill out has become common to mean relax or take things easy.

In everyday use, chill also describes a relaxed mood, atmosphere, or person. An event described as chill emphasizes comfort, informality, and ease. Phrases like "it's chill" or "keep your chill" express acceptance or the goal of maintaining calm composure.

In culture, chill has influenced music and internet aesthetics. Chillout is a genre characterized by slow tempos and ambient textures; chillwave and chillhop are looser, mellow subgenres. The term is widely used in online communities to describe calm visuals, fashion, and lifestyle.

Etymology: chill originates from senses of cold, with figurative uses of calmness emerging in the late 20th century. See also: cool, relaxed, laid-back.