Way With Words: Under the Weather

Once again, sailor slang and naval phrases have made it to the daily ‘Way With Words’ articles.

‘Under the Weather,’ has been a staple of our language in regards to saying you feel ill for quite some time.

The topmost deck on any ship that was bared to the open elements, was known as the ‘weather deck,’ and sheltered all the decks below.

Those not feeling ship-shape, would go below the weather deck, where they were sheltered and the ship swayed less.

Some ships had a sheltered deck, under the weather deck, that was still exposed to open air, and it was believed that fresh air was good, but full exposure to those sick would not aid in their wellness.

It is amusing how many sailing terms find their way into common language, especially people in highly landlocked areas.