The Meaning and Origin of Feeling Under the Weather
From time to time we all feel a little under the weather. But what does that mean, and where did we get that phrase? Read on to learn the etymology of “under the weather,” as well as how weather can affect human health.
Feeling Under the Weather Meaning
While it can be used to describe a variety of ailments, feeling under the weather simply means not feeling well. Its usage is not bound to any particular weather or season, but the phrase is often used in response to adverse weather conditions such as cold or rain. A precise timeline for this definition does not exist, but Donald Grant Mitchell is credited with the first written instance in his 1850 book Reveries of a Bachelor.
Feeling Under the Weather Origin
There is some debate over the origin of feeling under the weather, but many experts point to nautical sources for the phrase. One potential explanation is that when sailors felt unwell, they went below or under the deck to escape the weather. However, a more agreed-upon origin is that today’s well-known phrase is actually shortened from “under the weather bow.” The bow of a boat takes the brunt of any bad weather. Therefore, directly under the bow was the place where sailors were most likely to feel its effects. Whatever the true origin, the phrase perfectly sums up what it is like to feel ill because of the weather.
How Weather Affects Our Health
We don't need the word of experts to help us understand that changes in weather have tangible impacts on how we feel. But what exactly can the weather do to affect our health? From our mood to our physical well-being, here are some ways in which our health reflects the current weather:
- Mood
Sunny days have a good reputation for a reason: people get outside more on sunny days, which leads to more vitamin D production, higher serotonin levels, and less weather-related stress. Conversely, common weather-related conditions such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) correspond with shorter, less sunny days. Beyond sunshine, other aspects of weather like barometric pressure, temperature, and humidity can all impact our mood.
- Respiratory System
Those of us with seasonal allergies can understand how weather shifts influence the way we breathe, but other people might not realize how weather changes their breathing. Certain respiratory viruses are more transmissible in cold weather, and lower temperatures put strain on the sinuses and lungs. Both lead to increased difficulty breathing. Warmer weather brings with it more air pollution and pollen, both of which can particularly affect people with preexisting respiratory conditions.
- Pain
Changes in barometric pressure, temperature, and daylight hours can all exacerbate chronic pain. Shifts in daylight hours particularly affect migraines and other headaches, and both hot and cold temperature swings can affect joint pain. Barometric pressure is tied to many symptoms of pain, from headaches to increased joint pain.
- Other Effects
There are, of course, still more ways that the weather can reflect on our health. Lower temperatures can lead to an increase in heart attacks as well as difficulty controlling the symptoms of diabetes. From more obvious conditions like hypothermia and hyperthermia to ingesting mold and other allergens, it's difficult to entirely avoid the elements
Recap
It comes as no surprise that feeling under the weather has maritime origins; few people have experienced the day-to-day impact of weather like sailors. Throughout its usage, the definition of the phrase has remained largely the same: it means not feeling well. The beauty of “feeling under the weather” as an idiom is that we all experience the effects of weather on our well-being. AcuRite has many products that can help you monitor and track pressure changes so you can identify the factors that contribute to your general health. From essential weather displays to top-of-the-line weather stations, be prepared no matter what the weather throws at you!
