The phrase "green around the gills" is used to describe someone who looks ill or nauseated. The spelling "gills" in this expression refers to the gills of a fish, which can turn greenish when the fish is unwell. The pronunciation of "gills" is /ɡɪlz/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the first syllable pronounced with a hard "g" sound and the second syllable sounding like "ills". The origin of this expression is believed to date back to the 1800s and has been commonly used ever since.
"Green around the gills" is an idiomatic expression used to describe someone who appears sickly or unwell. It often refers to a person's pale or discolored complexion, particularly a grayish or greenish tint to their face, which can be a characteristic indication of physical illness or nausea. The phrase is derived from the appearance of a person's complexion, comparing their skin tone to the coloration of the gills found on fish or marine creatures.
This expression is commonly used figuratively to describe someone who looks visibly unwell or nauseated due to various factors, such as illness, exhaustion, or extreme anxiety. It can also be used metaphorically to convey someone's emotional or mental state, suggesting that they appear distressed, uneasy, or troubled.
The phrase "green around the gills" is often utilized in informal, conversational contexts to depict a person's visible and obvious signs of discomfort or ill health. It serves as a descriptive and evocative way to communicate someone's physical or emotional state without explicitly stating the cause or condition underlying the appearance. Furthermore, it can be employed as an empathetic expression to convey concern or sympathy towards someone who may be feeling unwell or going through a challenging time.