Top 51 Slang For Being Sick – Meaning & Usage

Feeling under the weather? We’ve got you covered with our list of slang for being sick. From the classic “down with the flu” to the lesser-known “calling in dead,” we’ve gathered the most popular and amusing expressions to help you navigate the world of illness with a touch of humor. Whether you’re in need of a laugh or simply want to expand your vocabulary, this listicle is sure to provide some comic relief and make you feel like a true wordsmith.

Click above to generate some slangs

1. Under the weather

This phrase is used to describe feeling sick or not in good health. It implies a general sense of discomfort or illness.

For example, “I’m sorry, I won’t be able to come to work today. I’m feeling under the weather.”
A friend might ask, “Are you feeling under the weather? You don’t look well.”
Someone might say, “I’ve been feeling a bit under the weather lately. I think I need to rest.”

2. Caught a bug

This phrase is used to indicate that someone has become sick, often with a minor illness or infection.

For instance, “I caught a bug and have been feeling terrible all day.”
A parent might say, “My child caught a bug at school and now the whole family is sick.”
A coworker might mention, “I think I caught a bug from someone in the office. I’ve been sneezing all morning.”

3. Coming down with something

This phrase is used when someone is beginning to experience the symptoms of an illness or infection.

For example, “I think I’m coming down with something. My throat feels scratchy.”
A friend might ask, “Are you coming down with something? You sound congested.”
Someone might say, “I’m feeling really tired and achy. I think I might be coming down with something.”

4. Picked up a bug

This phrase is used to describe getting sick, often from exposure to germs or a contagious illness.

For instance, “I must have picked up a bug while traveling. I’ve been feeling awful.”
A coworker might say, “Be careful, there’s a bug going around the office. I picked it up last week.”
A parent might mention, “My child picked up a bug at daycare and now the whole family is sick.”

5. Feeling out of sorts

This phrase is used to describe a general sense of being off or not feeling normal.

For example, “I’m feeling really out of sorts today. I think I might be getting sick.”
A friend might ask, “You seem a bit out of sorts. Is everything okay?”
Someone might say, “I’ve been feeling out of sorts lately. I think I need to take a break and rest.”

6. Feeling off-color

This phrase is used to describe a general feeling of being unwell or under the weather. It implies a sense of discomfort or illness, but without specifying the exact symptoms or severity.

For example, “I woke up this morning feeling off-color, so I decided to stay home from work.”
A friend might ask, “Are you okay? You seem a bit off-color today.”
Someone might explain, “I’ve been feeling off-color all week, but I can’t figure out what’s wrong.”

7. As sick as a dog

This phrase is used to describe someone who is very sick or unwell. It emphasizes the severity of the illness and is often used to convey a sense of sympathy or concern.

For instance, “After eating that spoiled food, I was as sick as a dog for days.”
A friend might say, “I heard you caught the flu. I hope you’re not as sick as a dog.”
Someone might comment, “I’ve never seen him so sick before. He was as sick as a dog.”

8. At death’s door

This phrase is used to describe someone who is very sick and may be close to dying. It emphasizes the severity of the illness and suggests that the person’s condition is critical.

For example, “After the accident, he was in the hospital and at death’s door for weeks.”
A family member might say, “We thought we were going to lose him. He was at death’s door.”
Someone might comment, “I’ve never seen someone so pale and weak. They looked like they were at death’s door.”

9. Feeling queasy

This phrase is used to describe a feeling of nausea or discomfort in the stomach. It suggests a mild form of sickness or uneasiness, often related to digestive issues.

For instance, “After eating that greasy pizza, I started feeling queasy.”
A friend might ask, “Are you okay? You look a bit queasy.”
Someone might explain, “I can’t eat anything spicy right now. It makes me feel queasy.”

10. Throwing up

This phrase is used to describe the act of expelling the contents of the stomach through the mouth. It is a more direct and explicit term for vomiting.

For example, “I ate something bad and ended up throwing up all night.”
A friend might say, “I heard you were throwing up. Are you feeling any better now?”
Someone might comment, “I hate throwing up. It’s the worst feeling.”

11. Pulling a sickie

This phrase is commonly used when someone takes a day off work or school claiming to be sick, but they are actually not. It implies that the person is faking their illness.

For example, “I’m not really sick, but I’m pulling a sickie tomorrow so I can go to the concert.”
A friend might say, “I can’t believe you’re pulling a sickie just to avoid that meeting.”
Someone might confess, “I feel bad for pulling a sickie, but I really needed a day off.”

12. Down with something

This phrase is used to describe someone who is currently experiencing symptoms of an illness or feeling generally unwell.

For instance, “I can’t come to the party tonight, I’m down with something.”
A person might say, “I’ve been down with the flu for the past week.”
Someone might ask, “Are you okay? You look like you’re down with something.”

13. Feeling off

This phrase is used to describe a general sense of not feeling well or feeling slightly unwell without specifying a particular illness.

For example, “I’m not sure what’s wrong, but I’ve been feeling off all day.”
A person might say, “I’m feeling off, I think I might be coming down with something.”
Someone might ask, “Is there something bothering you? You seem a bit off.”

14. Out of sorts

This phrase is used to describe a state of feeling unwell or not feeling like one’s usual self.

For instance, “I’ve been out of sorts ever since I woke up this morning.”
A person might say, “I’m feeling out of sorts, I think I need some rest.”
Someone might ask, “What’s wrong? You seem a bit out of sorts today.”

15. Under the gun

While this phrase is not specifically related to being sick, it can be used to describe feeling overwhelmed or under pressure, which can contribute to feeling unwell.

For example, “I’ve been under the gun lately with all the deadlines at work.”
A person might say, “I feel like I’m constantly under the gun with my busy schedule.”
Someone might ask, “Are you okay? You seem stressed and under the gun.”

16. Feeling lousy

This phrase is used to describe a general feeling of being sick or unwell, often with a negative connotation.

For example, “I woke up this morning feeling lousy and decided to stay home from work.”
A friend might ask, “Are you still feeling lousy from the flu?”
Someone might say, “I’ve been feeling lousy all week, I think I caught a cold.”

17. Under the table

This phrase is used to describe a severe or debilitating illness that leaves someone unable to function normally.

For instance, “After eating that bad sushi, I was under the table for two days.”
A person might say, “I can’t go to the party tonight, I’m feeling under the table.”
Someone might ask, “Have you seen John? He’s been under the table with the flu.”

18. Off-color

This phrase is used to describe a mild feeling of being unwell or sick, often with a slight change in appearance or behavior.

For example, “She looked a bit off-color, so I asked if she was feeling okay.”
A friend might say, “I’m feeling a little off-color today, I think I might be coming down with something.”
Someone might comment, “He seemed off-color during the meeting, I hope he’s not getting sick.”

19. In a bad way

This phrase is used to describe a serious or severe illness that leaves someone in a poor physical or mental state.

For instance, “After the car accident, she was in a bad way and had to be hospitalized.”
A person might say, “I can’t go to work today, I’m feeling in a bad way.”
Someone might ask, “Did you hear about Tom? He’s been in a bad way since his surgery.”

20. Feeling rough

This phrase is used to describe a general feeling of being unwell or sick, often with a physical discomfort or unease.

For example, “I partied too hard last night and now I’m feeling rough.”
A friend might say, “I’ve been feeling rough all week, I think I caught a bug.”
Someone might comment, “She’s been feeling rough lately, I hope she starts feeling better soon.”

21. Off sick

This phrase is commonly used to describe someone who is not able to go to work or school because they are sick.

For example, “I can’t come to the meeting today, I’m off sick.”
A coworker might ask, “Are you feeling better? How long will you be off sick?”
A teacher might say to a student, “If you’re feeling unwell, make sure to let me know so you can take the day off sick.”

22. Feeling poorly

This phrase is used to describe a general feeling of being unwell or sick.

For instance, “I’m feeling poorly today, I think I might have caught a cold.”
A friend might ask, “Are you feeling poorly? Do you need anything?”
A doctor might say, “If you’re feeling poorly for more than a few days, it’s best to come in for a check-up.”

23. In a funk

This phrase is used to describe a state of feeling down or depressed, often as a result of being sick.

For example, “I’ve been in a funk ever since I got the flu.”
A friend might ask, “What’s wrong? You seem to be in a funk.”
Someone might say, “I’m trying to get out of this funk by doing things I enjoy, like reading or listening to music.”

24. Down in the dumps

This phrase is used to describe a state of feeling sad or depressed, often as a result of being sick.

For instance, “I’ve been down in the dumps ever since I found out I have mono.”
A friend might ask, “Why are you down in the dumps? Is there anything I can do to help?”
Someone might say, “I’m trying to cheer myself up by watching funny movies and spending time with friends.”

25. Feeling punk

This phrase is used to describe a general feeling of being unwell or sick, often with a negative connotation.

For example, “I’m feeling punk today, I think I might have eaten something bad.”
A friend might ask, “Why are you feeling punk? Did you catch something?”
A parent might say to their child, “If you’re feeling punk, make sure to rest and drink plenty of fluids.”

26. Sick as a dog

This phrase is used to describe someone who is extremely ill or feeling unwell. It emphasizes the severity of the sickness.

For example, “I caught the flu and now I’m sick as a dog.”
Someone might say, “My friend had food poisoning and was sick as a dog for days.”
Another person might comment, “I can’t come to work today, I’m sick as a dog.”

27. Off colour

This phrase is used to describe someone who is not feeling their best or is slightly unwell. It implies a mild illness or discomfort.

For instance, “I’ve been feeling off colour all day.”
A person might say, “I didn’t sleep well last night, so I’m a bit off colour.”
Another example could be, “She looks a little off colour, maybe she’s coming down with something.”

28. On the sick list

This phrase is used to describe someone who is officially recognized as being sick or unable to work due to illness.

For example, “I won’t be able to attend the meeting because I’m on the sick list.”
A person might say, “I’ve been on the sick list for a week now, and I’m still not feeling better.”
Another example could be, “He’s been on the sick list for a while, I hope he recovers soon.”

29. Got the bug

This phrase is used to describe someone who has contracted an illness or caught a bug. It implies being infected with a sickness.

For instance, “I think I got the bug from my coworker.”
A person might say, “I’ve been feeling terrible since I got the bug.”
Another example could be, “Everyone in my family got the bug, it’s been a tough week.”

30. Laid up

This phrase is used to describe someone who is unable to leave their bed or home due to being sick or injured.

For example, “I won’t be able to come to the party, I’m laid up with the flu.”
A person might say, “I had a skiing accident and now I’m laid up in bed.”
Another example could be, “She’s been laid up for days with a bad cold.”

31. Crook as Rookwood

This phrase is used to describe someone who is extremely ill or feeling very sick.

For example, “I can’t come to work today, I’m as crook as Rookwood.”
A person might say, “I’ve been feeling crook as Rookwood all week.”
Another might complain, “I caught a cold and now I feel crook as Rookwood.”

32. Got the sniffles

This phrase is used to describe someone who has a mild cold and is experiencing symptoms such as a runny or congested nose.

For instance, “I can’t stop sneezing, I’ve got the sniffles.”
A person might say, “I’ve had the sniffles for a few days now.”
Another might complain, “I hate having the sniffles, it’s so annoying.”

33. Got the crud

This phrase is used to describe someone who is feeling unwell or under the weather, often with symptoms such as fatigue or general discomfort.

For example, “I don’t feel like going out tonight, I’ve got the crud.”
A person might say, “I’ve been feeling really tired and achy, I think I’ve got the crud.”
Another might complain, “I hate it when I’ve got the crud, it’s so hard to concentrate.”

34. Feeling crummy

This phrase is used to describe someone who is feeling sick or unwell, often with symptoms such as nausea or fatigue.

For instance, “I’m not feeling well, I’m feeling crummy.”
A person might say, “I’ve been feeling crummy all day, I think I caught a bug.”
Another might complain, “I hate feeling crummy, it’s so hard to get anything done.”

35. Got the plague

This phrase is used humorously to describe someone who is feeling extremely sick or unwell, as if they have a serious or contagious disease.

For example, “I can’t come to the party, I’ve got the plague.”
A person might say, “I’ve been in bed all day, I feel like I’ve got the plague.”
Another might complain, “I’ve caught a cold and I feel like I’ve got the plague.”

36. Feeling rotten

When someone says they’re feeling rotten, it means they are feeling extremely sick or unwell.

For example, “I can’t come to work today, I’m feeling rotten.”
Someone might say, “I’ve been feeling rotten all week, I think I need to see a doctor.”
Another person might complain, “I ate something bad and now I’m feeling rotten.”

37. Got the trots

When someone says they’ve got the trots, it means they are experiencing diarrhea.

For instance, “I can’t leave the bathroom, I’ve got the trots.”
Someone might say, “Avoid that restaurant, their food gave me the trots.”
Another person might complain, “I don’t know what I ate, but now I’ve got the trots.”

38. Feeling washed out

When someone says they’re feeling washed out, it means they are feeling exhausted or drained.

For example, “I didn’t get much sleep last night, I’m feeling washed out.”
Someone might say, “After a long day at work, I always feel washed out.”
Another person might complain, “I’ve been running around all day, now I’m feeling completely washed out.”

39. Got a case of the Mondays

When someone says they’ve got a case of the Mondays, it means they are feeling unmotivated or down on a Monday.

For instance, “I can’t seem to get anything done today, I’ve got a case of the Mondays.”
Someone might say, “I hate Mondays, they always give me a case of the Mondays.”
Another person might complain, “I woke up on the wrong side of the bed today, I’ve definitely got a case of the Mondays.”

40. Feeling peaked

When someone says they’re feeling peaked, it means they are feeling very sick or weak.

For example, “I have a high fever and no energy, I’m feeling peaked.”
Someone might say, “I’ve been feeling peaked for days, I think I need to see a doctor.”
Another person might complain, “I can’t even get out of bed, I’m feeling so peaked.”

41. Dauncey

This slang term is used to describe feeling under the weather or not in the best physical condition.

For example, “I’m feeling a bit dauncey today, I might need to take a sick day.”
Someone might say, “I’ve been feeling dauncey all week, I think I caught a bug.”
A person might describe their symptoms by saying, “I have a headache, sore throat, and I’m feeling dauncey.”

42. Dicky Tummy

This slang term refers to having an uncomfortable feeling in the stomach, often accompanied by nausea or the need to vomit.

For instance, “I can’t eat that, I have a dicky tummy.”
Someone might say, “I ate something bad and now I have a dicky tummy.”
A person might complain, “I’ve had a dicky tummy all day, I can’t keep anything down.”

43. Ebola

This term is used humorously to exaggerate the severity of feeling sick, comparing it to the deadly Ebola virus.

For example, “I have a little cold, it feels like Ebola.”
Someone might say, “I’m so tired, I feel like I have Ebola.”
A person might exaggerate their symptoms by saying, “I have a headache, fever, and body aches, it’s definitely Ebola.”

44. Iffy

This slang term is used to describe feeling unwell or unsure about one’s physical condition.

For instance, “I’m feeling a bit iffy today, I might need to rest.”
Someone might say, “I’ve been feeling iffy all week, I think I caught a bug.”
A person might describe their symptoms by saying, “I have a cough and I’m feeling iffy.”

45. Jacked Up

This slang term is used to describe feeling unwell or injured.

For example, “I can’t go to work today, I’m all jacked up.”
Someone might say, “I twisted my ankle and now I’m all jacked up.”
A person might complain, “I’m feeling so jacked up, I think I caught a flu.”

46. Lurgy

This term is often used to describe a general feeling of being unwell or sick. It can refer to any type of illness or ailment.

For example, “I caught the lurgy and had to stay home from work.”
A person might say, “I’m feeling a bit under the weather, must be the lurgy.”
Another might complain, “I’ve had the lurgy for a week and it’s not getting any better.”

47. Out Of It

This phrase is used to describe a state of being sick where a person feels mentally or physically disoriented and disconnected from their surroundings.

For instance, “I’ve been so sick, I’ve been completely out of it.”
A person might say, “I took some strong medication and it made me feel really out of it.”
Another might complain, “I can’t focus on anything, I’m so out of it.”

48. Poxy

This term is used to describe a feeling of being unwell or sick, often with a negative connotation.

For example, “I woke up this morning feeling really poxy.”
A person might say, “I’ve been feeling poxy all day, I think I caught a bug.”
Another might complain, “I hate feeling poxy, I just want to feel better.”

49. Tom and Dick

This phrase is used as a rhyming slang for being sick or unwell. It is derived from the Cockney rhyming slang “sick” which rhymes with “Tom and Dick”.

For instance, “I can’t come to work today, I’m feeling Tom and Dick.”
A person might say, “I’ve been feeling Tom and Dick all week, I need to see a doctor.”
Another might complain, “Being Tom and Dick is the worst, I can’t do anything.”

50. Torn Down

This phrase is used to describe a state of being extremely sick or unwell, often with a feeling of exhaustion or weakness.

For example, “I’ve been so sick, I feel completely torn down.”
A person might say, “I caught the flu and it’s tearing me down.”
Another might complain, “I can’t even get out of bed, I’m so torn down.”

51. Watch Under

This slang term is often used to describe the feeling of being sick or unwell.

For example, “I’ve been feeling watch under for the past few days.”
A person might say, “I think I’m coming down with something, I feel watch under.”
Another might complain, “I can’t go out tonight, I’m watch under.”