Why do we say ‘under the weather’ and other popular expressions? Here are 3 fun origin stories
Sayings like 'under the weather' and 'break the ice' have longstanding meanings
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Common sayings used metaphorically are popular in the English language — and are often used all over the world.
There's "break a leg," "the cat’s out of the bag" — and so many others, often with interesting histories.
Why do people use these popular expressions?
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Here’s a dive into three common sayings and their backgrounds.
These are 3 common expressions with deeper metaphoric meanings. (iStock)
3 popular phrases with deeper meanings
1. ‘Penny for your thoughts’
This common expression is often used to ask someone what they're thinking if deep in thought.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}For example, someone might say, "I’ll take a penny for your thoughts."
Although the exact origin of the saying is unclear, many attribute it to the 1500s when Sir Thomas More wrote "Four Last Things."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}It read, "When people notice that someone appears disengaged and wish them to rejoin the conversation, they ask, ‘A penny for your thoughts,’" per Missouri State University.
"Penny for your thoughts" is a common expression typically used when asking what someone is thinking. (iStock)
Other notions are that it came from a collection of proverbs by John Heywood in 1546, according to Dictionary online.
WHY DO WE SAY ‘BREAK A LEG’ AND OTHER POPULAR EXPRESSIONS? HERE ARE 3 FUN ORIGIN STORIES
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}2. ‘Under the weather’
This expression is often used when someone is feeling ill.
People might say, for example, that they're "feeling under the weather" when coming down with a cold.
"Under the weather" applies to someone who's feeling sick. (iStock)
This popular saying is thought to have a nautical origin, as crewmen and travelers would often go below deck when high winds caused the sea to get choppy, according to the Farmers Almanac.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Another theory from "Salty Dog Talk: The Nautical Origins of Everyday Expressions" says the phrase came from "under the weather bow," which is the side of the ship that would often rot due to blowing weather.
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3. ‘Break the ice’
This phrase is commonly used when people speak for the first time after a period of silence — as if they would "break the ice."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"Break the ice" often refers to cutting the tension in a room between people. (iStock)
This could also refer to two people who have not spoken in a significant amount of time — and who need to "break the ice" and speak once again.
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Many believe the expression started as early as 1579 from Sir Thomas North’s "Plutarch’s Lives" translation.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Samuel Butler also used it in his 1678 book "Hudibras" to mean it broke the silence.
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