Green around the gills
Meaning
To appear sickly, pale, and nauseated, often indicating illness or motion sickness.
Origin
The phrase paints a vivid picture by combining the ancient association of "green" with sickness and the visual of a fish's gills. For centuries, green has symbolized illness—from "green sickness" to the pallor of nausea. The "gills" are not literal here but metaphorically refer to the area around the face and neck, where a sickly pallor or greenish tinge is most apparent. The imagery likely draws on the appearance of a fish struggling for air, its gills discolored and body distressed. This evocative phrase truly cemented its place in the 19th century, especially among those suffering from violent seasickness, who would often exhibit this distinct, pale-green hue, looking utterly miserable.
Examples
- The long car journey made him feel queasy, and by the time they arrived, he was definitely green around the gills.
- After eating too much rich food, she looked a bit green around the gills and had to lie down.