Feel blue

Origin

The association of the color blue with sadness has roots stretching back centuries, with blue often symbolizing gloom or sorrow in various cultures. In English, the phrase gained prominence around the 18th century, possibly evolving from the earlier term "blue devils," which referred to hallucinations or low spirits accompanying alcohol withdrawal. Another theory suggests a connection to "Blue Dols," a historical term for a specific type of flag flown by ships in mourning or distress. The cool, subdued hue of blue, evocative of dreary skies and cold, eventually solidified its metaphorical link to low spirits, solidifying "feel blue" as a concise expression for melancholy.