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Processed with VS1Learn casual ways to say you do not feel well, with a clear boundary between idiom and health advice.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThis May 2020 episode explores “under the weather,” “as sick as a dog,” and related ways to describe feeling unwell. It also recounts a possible nautical origin in which sailors went below deck during rough weather. The expressions are useful for everyday conversation, but they do not assess how serious an illness is.
Cultural note: The source is a language lesson, not medical guidance. Use “under the weather” to describe how you feel; do not use it to decide whether someone needs medical care. People may interpret the phrase differently, so state symptoms plainly when clarity matters.
Keep exploring“I’m under the weather” is a natural way to say you do not feel well. It is a conversational phrase, not a diagnosis.
Phrase guide · 4 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Use familiar, conversational phrases for feeling sick or tired.
Meaning
Feeling somewhat unwell or not at your usual level.
Tone & use
Common and conversational. It is vague, so describe symptoms directly when someone needs clear information.
Example
“I’m feeling under the weather today, so I’ll join the meeting from home.”
Meaning
Feeling very ill.
Tone & use
Informal and emphatic; it can sound dramatic. Use plain language in health or emergency situations.
Example
“After the long ferry ride, I felt as sick as a dog.”
Talk about fatigue without making a medical judgment.
Meaning
Extremely tired after effort, stress, or a long period of activity.
Tone & use
Often describes fatigue rather than illness. It can refer to a person or an object that is heavily used.
Example
“I felt worn out after moving boxes all afternoon.”
Know when to replace an idiom with direct language.
Meaning
Begin to experience an illness.
Tone & use
Usually followed by the name of an illness or by “something.” Avoid guessing a diagnosis; say what you know.
Example
“She thinks she may be coming down with a cold, so she is taking it easy.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
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