Classic British weather expressions like ‘the heavens have open’ or ‘it’s blows a gale’ are in danger of dying out because Generation Z never uses them.
A survey of 2,000 adults found that only five percent of 18- to 24-year-olds have used the term “bronze monkeys” to describe freezing temperatures.
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And only one in ten has ever said that ‘Jack Frost’ would come to visit when the mercury dropped.
A survey of 2,000 adults found that 39 percent enjoy talking about the weather with anyone who will listen.
The research was commissioned by Network Rail, which is working with railway historian and TV presenter Tim Dunn to give Britons the chance to name one of its special ‘leaf clearing’ trains, which clear leaves from the tracks and keep passengers travelling throughout the autumn and winter.
Tim Dunn said: “I am delighted to be supporting this campaign, which shows how Network Rail’s leaf collectors are helping to reduce delays and keep passengers travelling this autumn.
“This is a great opportunity for the public to name one of these amazing high-tech machines, so send in your suggestions now.
TOP 10 WEATHER EXPRESSIONS LEAST LIKELY TO BE USED BY PERSONS UNDER 24:
1. Here comes old Phoebe
2. That’s a gust of wind
3. Mackerel Heaven
4. It swings it down
5. Jack Frost has visited
6. Blowing a Hoolie
7. Copper Monkeys
8. It’s going crazy
9. The heavens are opened
10. It’s windy
“I’m sure you can do better than my entry: ‘Trainy McTrainFace.”
The research found that there were regional differences in weather forecasts, with Scotland saying ‘it’s blowing hard’ most often, while in the north-east of England ‘it’s raining cats and dogs’ was the most common.
And according to figures from OnePoll.com, you’re more likely to hear the cry “it’s raining cats and dogs” in the South than anywhere else.
The survey also found that more than half (54 percent) of adults believe heavy snow is the most disruptive weather event to their daily lives.
More than a tenth (14 percent) of adults have chatted about the weather with a complete stranger during their commute.
Lisa Angus, Network Rail’s weather operations director, said: “The scale of the operation to keep passengers travelling through the autumn is monumental and this year will be our biggest yet.
“Our leaf-shredding trains are the unsung heroes of the British autumn and we’re excited to hear the creative nominations for one of the vehicles that will be travelling across the country this year to keep our railways running safely and reliably.”
Nominations for names can be sent by Friday 20th September to nametheleafbuster@networkrail.co.uk or by using #NameTheLeafbuster on X.
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