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green around the gills
01
(of a person) feeling or looking nauseated, pale, or sickly
What is the origin of the idiom "green around the gills" and when to use it?
The phrase "green around the gills" is an idiomatic expression that originated from sailors who would often get seasick during rough sea journeys. It dates back to the early 19th century, around the early 1800s, and describes the pale, greenish complexion that people can have when they feel nauseous or unwell. It is often used to describe someone who looks pale or sickly, particularly when they are experiencing nausea or feeling unwell. It implies a physical condition where someone appears visibly unwell or experiencing discomfort.
Example
After the roller coaster ride, she looked a bit green about the gills.
Despite his efforts to hide it, John felt seasick on the boat and seemed green about the gills.
The unexpected news left him green at the gills, unsure of what to do next.
After eating the questionable seafood, Tom started to feel nauseous and appeared green around the gills.
After the turbulent flight, passengers were looking a bit green at the gills.
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