Etymology Lesson with a Side of Mosquitoes

Partly cloudyish, high of 81.

Miss me? Gothamist was illin yesterday morning, though the server was also conveniently timing out. Not much happening in weather news, other than the kinda-related first case of West Nile Virus occurring in Staten Island, where they are cranking up their chemicals for some hot mosquito-killing action. For some reason, mosquitoes are most active during dusk. So even though most boroughs seem bug-free (except for Queens, according to Frank Costanza), if you feel a nip around 8:30 or 9, you probably aren't losing your mind. And if you are losing your mind, you might have West Nile Virus! Seek help immediately!

Anyway, summer colds suck and I wouldn't wish them on anyone. But they are good for lessons in etymology! Here's where the idiom "under the weather" comes from:

This phrase meaning ill dates to 1827 and, according to the OED2, is an Americanism. The phrase probably derives from the idea that the weather can affect your mood and health.

Isil claims that it is a clipped form of the nautical phrase under the weather bow, a reference to the side of the ship's bow that is taking the brunt of rough seas, and is a reference to seasickness.

Partridge refers to a British/Australian nautical use of the phrase to mean drunk. This usage is from the original Americanism. Isil may have confused the two senses.

Related: New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene West Nile page, where you can get information on how to report a dead bird sighting and look up your area's spray schedule.