Isn’t that a funny phrase? We all know what it means….but I wanted to know why we use that phrase…..and by the way, I am a bit under the weather today…So without further ado….lets examine this phraseology…. and below is what I found.
This phrase possibly has nautical or seafaring origins. Commenting on the origins of this expression, a website called The Phrase Finder mentions that in the old days, when a sailor was feeling seasick, “he was sent down below to help his recovery, under the deck and away from the weather.”
According to another source, a book called Salty Dog Talk: The Natuical Origins of Everyday Expressions, by Bill Beavis (Author) and Micahel Howorth (Author), it says the following regarding this phrase: “To feel ill. Originally it meant to feel seasick or to be adversely affected by bad weather.” It goes on to say: “The term is correctly ‘under the weather bow’ which is a gloomy prospect; the weather bow is the side upon which all the rotten weather is blowing.”
The earliest recording that I could find of the idiom is from the newspaper Jeffersonville Daily Evening News, 1835, and it says:
“‘I own Jessica is somewhat under the weather to-day, figuratively and literally,’ said the gentleman, amusedly, giving a glance at the lady over in the corner.”Apparently, A phrase’s origins are unclear a lot of the time….well, most of the time I am finding….so it is difficult to actually find the origin for every phrase or idiom.
Also, remember that just because you see a saying in an old book or newspaper, let’s say from the year 1893, it does not mean the saying originates from that source. If this phrase has already found a place in a book or newspaper….chances are the phrase is a lot older and is commonly known.
So, I say all that to say this. I had to go to the dentist a few days ago because of a tooth that had broken off while eating toast! Yep! a simple piece of toast.
My dentist recommended me to an oral surgeon for removal ….as it was now a two sided tooth with an expensive crown missing. We don’t even want to discuss the outcome of the crown! At the time of the toast, all I remember was a chunk of something in my mouth (besides toast)….and I politely wiped my mouth “holdings”out and into my napkin….as we were dining out with guests! I did not want to open the napkin to reveal ground up toast or whatever else was there, so I tucked it away onto my plate.
Hence….the removal of the tooth and insertion of a titanium implant (I feel like the Bionic Woman) and many stitches later and I am definitely under the weather. All I want to do is sleep and pop pills. That is probably the result of no food….well, I can have cold food such as jello or pudding….and I am to drink icy things, BUT not through a straw for at least 7 days! Are you kidding me?
AND, no strenuous exercise! What a bummer! 🙂 I am sure if I was able to eat hot food I would have the energy for strenuous exercise….or not!!!!!. 😉
Given a few days, I am sure I will be fine….but until then…..I am a bit under the weather!
I hope you are not under the weather….but if you are, hurry and get well soon.
Hugs
http://www.knowyourphrase.com/phrase-meanings/Under-the-Weather.html
$5000.00 would make me under the weather. Get well soon, Kari!
hahaha true Sandy…..insurance does cover part of it…but not even half. ;(
Bummer! Get well soon. Hope you don’t set off any metal detectors!
Janet
thanks Janet for your kind wishes….I will certainly beware of any extra terrestrial activities!!! haha.
What’s with our teeth? About a month ago I was having yogurt, bananas and granola…guess what…I found something in my mouth that was from any of those things. Yes, part of my tooth. Just got my crown finished up this week along with a hefty bill! Ugh!
perhaps it is an “aging” thing? haha…these procedures certainly aren’t cheap…the first part of the process was over $5000.00 and we are not talking about the cost of the crown and all it entails….;( I have several more visits before we get to that part of the process…. thanks for stopping by.