The Beginnings of 12 Everyday Expressions You Use Without Knowing Why

"Under the Weather" — Nautical Origins of Illness

The phrase "under the weather" is used to describe someone feeling ill or unwell. Its origins are nautical, stemming from the days when sailors were exposed to harsh weather conditions at sea. When a sailor was unwell, they were often sent below deck to recover, away from the adverse weather. This practice gave rise to the expression, linking physical illness with exposure to the elements. The transition from a literal maritime practice to a figurative expression highlights the human tendency to associate physical well-being with environmental factors. As the phrase entered common vernacular, it came to represent the general experience of feeling unwell, regardless of the cause. This evolution reflects the universal human experience of grappling with illness and the ways in which language captures the nuances of health.