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.
