That glorious interregnum between Christmas and New Year’s, where everything stops, including work emails, allowing for joy, sloth, and solitude. Everything is a relaxed atmosphere where people often feel disoriented about what day it is and enjoy leftover food. It’s a time for unwinding and reflecting on the past year before the new one begins.
Chrimbo Limbo
Example Sentences
"I'm enjoying my Chrimbo Limbo this year by eating sausage rolls and watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy (and maybe The Hobbit Trilogy)."
"Pass the pork pie, this is the best way to spend Chrimbo Limbo."
Etymology & History
Chrimbo Limbo is a colloquial and playful term that describes the period between Christmas and New Year, characterized by inactivity and a sense of disconnection from normal routines.
Breakdown of the Terms
Chrimbo: This is a playful abbreviation of "Christmas," derived from British slang. The term has been used informally, especially in the UK, to refer to the festive season.
Limbo: The word "limbo" originates from the Latin "limbus," meaning "edge" or "boundary." In a broader cultural sense, it refers to a state of uncertainty or transitional phase. It is often used to describe situations where one is caught between two distinct states, which fits the context of this term as it describes the time between the hustle of Christmas and the fresh start of the New Year.
Cultural Context
The term captures the spirit of the post-Christmas period, where many people feel a lull after the excitement of the holidays, often leading to a feeling of being in a "limbo" until life resumes its regular pace.
Overall, "Chrimbo Limbo" reflects a quirky and lighthearted acknowledgment of this unique time of year.
Learn Another Word
🔀 Shuffle & Discover
Anglotopia's Dictionary of British English 2nd Edition
British Slang from A to Zed
By Jonathan Thomas
📚 Over 2,000+ British Slang Definitions!