Ice bucket means: An often insulated container for holding ice cubes.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.
ice bucket
An often insulated container for holding ice cubes.
Definitions
#1·Apr 27, 2026
An often insulated container for holding ice cubes.
For parents
Ice bucket means: An often insulated container for holding ice cubes.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.
For ESL learners
ice bucket means: An often insulated container for holding ice cubes.. Register: neutral, standard English. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself. A formal-English equivalent (a synonym or descriptive phrase) is usually safer in writing. When in doubt, paraphrase rather than reuse the slang form.
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#2·Apr 27, 2026
(science fiction, slang, humorous) A pod or similar device containing a person in cryosleep.
Cluster: technology
Heard in the wild
“The 2006 Canes, for whom I, an idiot, stood knee deep in an ice bucket at senior beach week until they scored the first goal of the Stanley Cup clincher, would like a word.”
— Bluesky· May 2026
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For specific readers
Why is this section here?
Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.
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Other words near "ice bucket" (I)
icebergiceberg basementiceberg videoiceblockiceboxicebox cakeice-coldice creamice cream hairice-cream suitice cream truckice cream van
Browse all slang words starting with I.