What's the difference between fridge and cooler?

[Henna]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #704 "English Slang Idioms (446)", question 10

"Did you hear that Davis got arrested for drunk driving? He'll definitely spend some time in the ......... for that one," Ian said to Chris.

(a) heater
(b) fridge
(c) cooler
(d) toaster

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #704 "English Slang Idioms (446)", answer 10

"Did you hear that Davis got arrested for drunk driving? He'll definitely spend some time in the cooler for that one," Ian said to Chris.

Correct answer: (c) cooler
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What's the difference between fridge and cooler?

[Alan]

Hi,

'Fridge' short form of 'refrigerator' is used to keep items of food in a cold atmosphere and stop it going bad. 'Cooler' is a slang word for prison cell/jail, which I believe originated in the USA. Incidentally another related idiomatic expression is 'cool off', which means 'relax' 'calm down'.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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[SiCantikManis]

Hello Henna,

I think it is also worth noting that a fridge comprises a freezer and a cooler. Often with the cooler on the bottom part. But with the energy saving design, you'd find fridges designed to have the the freezer on the bottom part of the fridge.

Oh yes, we call the air conditioner cooler too.

By the way, on my side of the pond, some people call fridge, an ice box. I wonder how peculiar this is.

Cantik
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