‘Under The Weather’, Meaning & Context

The phrase “under the weather” is often used to describe the condition of someone who isn’t isn’t feeling well, either physical or emotionally, but typically being a bit sick, like having a flu or a cold, or a hangover, resulting in a general sense of discomfort or slight incapacity or downright unwell. However, it isn’t just limited to physical ailments; people also use it to talk about feeling emotionally or mentally out of sorts, which could be due to stress, exhaustion, too much alcohol or just having a bad day.

Origin of “Under the Weather”

The phrase “under the weather” comes from the old days of sailing. When sailors were out at sea and hit rough weather, anyone who got seasick or just felt unwell would go below deck to get away from the worst of it. They’d be, quite literally, “under the weather” since they were escaping the harsh conditions above. Over time the term came to be used for anyone not feeling a hundred percent, whether they were on a ship or not. It’s like saying the stormy weather is making you sick, even if it’s not stormy outside.

The Shakespeare Connection

Shakespeare didn’t actually use the phrase “under the weather,” but his work is full of similar expressions that link emotions to nature and the weather. In The Tempest, he uses storms and shipwrecks to symbolize emotional chaos and confusion. While he never used “under the weather,” the way he describes characters’ moods in terms of the environment is similar to the meaning of “under the weather. He uses simple images, like bad weather, to convey a larger feeling, like being depressed or joyful etc.

The Appearance of “Under the Weather” in the Media

You often hear “under the weather”  in movies, TV shows, and even ads. It’s a convenient way for characters to say they’re not feeling good without going into too much detail. Maybe they have a cold or perhaps, even, just having a bad day. It’s vague enough to cover a lot of contingencies. Advertisers find it very useful, especially when it comes to medicines for colds or flu, or health products. The phrase is a shortcut because everyone understands it. In songs, too, it’s often used to describe feeling down or depressed, or as that’s usually expressed in music, having “the blues.” It’s a convenient phrase that can mean a lot of other things too.

“Under the Weather” in Literature

“Under the weather” is frequently used in novels, referring to the condition of a character who is not feeling completely well. That could be either physically or emotionally unwell. It’s a convenient way for authors to convey that someone is feeling below par. Maybe someone has a fever and can’t participate in some activity, or a character is feeling depressed after a personal upset, like a relationship failure. The phrase is relatable because we’ve all experienced being under the weather and can empathise. It adds a touch of realism to stories because it’s something we all say from time to time, and understand. It’s perfect for making characters seem more real and grounded, dealing with the same ups and downs in life that we all do.

Sentences Using “Under the Weather” in Everyday Conversation

1. “I can’t come to work today; I’m feeling a bit under the weather.”
2. “She skipped the party because she was under the weather.”
3. “After that long flight, I’m feeling really under the weather.”
4. “He looks a bit under the weather; maybe he’s coming down with something.”
5. “I haven’t seen John around; someone said he’s been under the weather.”
6. “The kids are all under the weather with a stomach bug.”
7. “I think I’ll stay home this weekend; I’m feeling under the weather.”
8. “She’s been under the weather ever since she got caught in the rain.”
9. “I feel a little under the weather, probably just allergies acting up.”
10. “Sorry I’m not very talkative; I’m feeling a bit under the weather.”

This idiom, with its rich history and versatile application, continues to be a staple in English, encapsulating both literal and metaphorical senses of not feeling one’s best.

Under the weather