Under the
weather . . .
. . . is where I have been for a short, unexciting while.
Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons
This expression first appeared in print at the beginning of the nineteenth century and had its origin in maritime slang. Not all sailors are immune from seasickness, one most famous sufferer being Admiral Lord Nelson, who wrote, “I am ill every time it blows hard and nothing but my enthusiastic love for my profession keeps me one hour at sea."
The complete original phrase was ‘under the weather bow,’ the weather bow being the side of the ship receiving the full effects of foul weather. Seasick sailors would be sent below to ride out the storm.
It has been suggested that eighty percent of people who make their living on boats are afflicted with seasickness, though I cannot imagine such a percentage of a ship’s crew would be relieved of their duties. It seems much more likely that they would be ‘encouraged’ to continue despite their ails.
I am not sure- all of my time on boats I was told to stay on deck and look at the horizon or a fixed object somewhere in the universe. Never go below deck, the upchucks will get you!
ReplyDeleteI do hope you are feeling much improved now Janice. xx
ReplyDeleteWell this old prairie boy rarely gets a boat ride so no sea sickness here. I wish you a rapid recovery.
ReplyDeleteI hope you weren't out in a man o'war? Anyway get well soon.
ReplyDeleteMy husband served 20 years at sea. 10 years Navy and 10 years Coast Guard. He said the first time he was on a frigate and started feeling sick. He was told by his petty officer, that when it comes up, to swallow it and he'd never get seasick again. So he did - and yes it was gross but he never had sea sickness again. My son served on a huge aircraft carrier and he didn't feel a thing except during severely rough seas. He worked on the flight deck and his sleeping quarters were directly below, so all he felt was the take off and landings of the planes.
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