- Feeling slightly ill, unwell, or indisposed. Not seriously sick, but not feeling 100% healthy.
Explanation
Origin
- Nautical origin. When sailors felt seasick or unwell, they would often go below deck to escape the harsh weather on the open deck. Being under the weather meant being downstairs, away from the elements, due to feeling ill.
- Over time, it became a general euphemism for feeling slightly sick.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Feeling crummy / Feeling lousy / Feeling rough
- Not feeling too hot.
More Specific (if known):
- Got a bit of a cold/headache/stomach bug.
Milder/Vague:
- Not feeling my best today.
Situational Appropriateness
- Appropriate in almost all situations, informal to formal.
- It's a common and slightly indirect way to say you're mildly ill, often used when calling in sick to work or declining an invitation.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers might be confused by the literal meaning. They need to learn it's a fixed idiom for feeling slightly ill.
Examples
- I'm feeling a bit under the weather today, so I'm staying home from work.
- She skipped the party because she was under the weather.
- Are you okay? You look a little under the weather.
Dialogue
Boss: Hi Sarah, are you coming in today?
Sarah: Morning. Actually, I woke up feeling a bit under the weather. I think I should rest today.
Boss: Okay, Sarah. Thanks for letting me know. Hope you feel better soon.
Sarah: Thanks, I appreciate it.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Feeling under the weather today. Cancelling plans and curling up with tea and a book. 🤒 #SickDay #Rest
- Facebook Status: Sorry I missed the call earlier, been feeling under the weather all day. Hope everyone is well!
- Instagram Story: Picture of thermometer/tissues, text: A bit under the weather. Send soup! 🍲
Response Patterns
- Oh no, I'm sorry to hear that.
- Hope you feel better soon.
- Get some rest.
- Anything I can get for you?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone says they're under the weather:
- Ask: What's wrong? (If appropriate) / Do you need anything?
- Action: Express sympathy, wish them a speedy recovery.
If observing someone looks under the weather:
- Ask: Are you feeling okay? / Are you coming down with something?
- Action: Show concern.
Conversation Starter
- No. Usually an explanation for absence, lack of energy, or appearance, or a response to How are you?.
Intonation
- Usually said with a slightly subdued or apologetic tone. Stress often spread across under and weather. Feeling a bit under the WEATHER.
Generation Differences
- Widely used and understood by all generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions. Off-colour is a common synonym in the UK/Australia.