“Brick” is a popular New York City slang term, particularly in the Bronx, Queens and Long Island, used to describe extremely cold weather. Originating in the 1980s-90s, it suggests the cold hits as hard as a brick, or refers to cold city buildings.
Meaning: Extremely cold outside. Example: “It’s brick out there”.
Origin: Likely originated from urban slang in New York City (Harlem/Bronx) during the 1980s or 1990s.
Context: Used when temperatures are freezing; sometimes related to the feeling of brick buildings in winter, which are described as being ten times colder than the air.
Regional Usage: Primarily associated with New York City, but also used in neighboring areas like Long Island.