What it means
A soft, everyday way to say you're feeling a bit off without making it sound dramatic. It covers anything from a cold or dodgy stomach to that foggy post-big-night wobble. Very normal in work chat too, when you want people to get the message without inviting a full medical interview.
Usage examples
"Can’t come to footy, mate, I’m a bit under the weather. Think I’ve picked up a lurgy on the Tube, or that 2am kebab’s back for revenge."
"I'm a bit under the weather today, might just have a quiet one at home."
"She's been under the weather all week, nothing serious, just a stubborn cold."
"I’m gonna skip drinks tonight, I’m still a bit under the weather after the weekend absolutely folded me."
"He’s been a bit under the weather since yesterday, so don’t expect fireworks from him in the meeting."
Where it comes from
This one goes back to old seafaring talk. If a sailor felt rough in heavy seas, they could be sent below deck, under the weather side of the ship, where they were more sheltered from wind and spray. Over time, that turned into a gentle everyday way to say someone feels a bit unwell.
Other ways to say it
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