Feeling blue – meaning, origin and usage

The phrase “feeling blue” is a common one in the English language, so its important to know. This article is going to help with that.

Over the next few paragraphs, you will learn what the phrase means and how it may have originated. We will also cover how to use the phrase, using a few handy examples for contexts, before going on to discuss the use of the phrase “feeling blue” in literature and the media. Then finally, we will round off with a discussion on similar and synonymous sayings. By the end you can be sure to feel like an expert on the subject.

So, without further ado, let’s get down to business!

What is the meaning of the phrase “feeling blue”?

Simply put, the term “feeling blues” means feeling sad. Or in other words, feeling down, low spirits, melancholy or depressed.

What is the origin of the phrase “feeling blue”?

Although the precise origin of the phrase “feeling blue” is not known for sure, there has been a great deal of speculation as to where and when the phrase comes from. That said however, the concept of being blue or looking blue has been in dictionaries since at least 1785.

It is believed by many that the phrase “feeling blue” likely stems from naval traditions, specifically the practice of ships flying blue flags as a sign of mourning when a captain, or another officer, had died, thus linking the color blue with a sense of loss and grief.

There has also been the phrase “blue devils” which dates back to the 17th century when it was used to describe the hallucinations experienced during severe alcohol withdrawal, which were often associated with a gloomy feeling. In 1807, Washington Irving was credited with having first used the term “the blues” as a synonym for sadness. He wrote “He conducted his harangue with a sigh, and I saw he was still under the influence of a whole legion of the blues.” Irving was shortening the phrase “blue devils” which was a synonym dating back to Elizabethan time to describe a menacing presence. Since then, the “devils” part of the phrase faded, leaving just “feeling blue” to represent general sadness.

Then there’s the concept of lips turning blue and skin turning a blue grey as a person slowly reaches their death, thus referring to lifelessness and symbolising low spirits.

It’s also worth noting at this point that the phrase “feeling blue” transcends different cultures. For instance, in many West African cultures in death and bereavement ceremonies where all the mourners’ garments would have been dyed indigo blue to indicate suffering.

How to use the phrase “feeling blue” (featuring examples)

Although the phrase “feeling blue” is considered a slang term, it is suitable for use in polite company. In some cases, people will use the phrase “feeling blue” as a synonym for “feeling suicidal”. However, it is important to note that the phrase is not always used in this context.

Here are some typical examples of the phrase “feeling blue” in use:

• He’s been feeling really blue since breaking up with his girlfriend.
• She’s been feeling blue since she lost her job, but I’m sure something else with come up.
• They’ve both been feeling blue since their parents passed away.
• I’ve been feeling quite blue lately, but I don’t know why.
• I’ve decided to seek therapy. I’ve been feeling blue and I’ve decided it’s time to do something about it.

The concept of “feeling blue” in historical circumstances and politics

The phrase has also played a significant role in historical events, political rhetoric, and national sentiment. From times of economic hardship and war to political losses and public mourning, the idea of “feeling blue” has been used to express national sorrow, societal distress, and political disillusionment. Here are some examples:

The death of national leaders

Abraham Lincoln’s Assassination (1865): The United States was plunged into mourning, with newspapers and public speeches describing the “blue mood” of the nation following Lincoln’s assassination.

John F. Kennedy’s Assassination (1963): The phrase “a nation in mourning” was frequently used to express how Americans felt collectively “blue” in the wake of JFK’s tragic death.

The Death of Queen Victoria (1901): Marked the end of the Victorian era, leaving much of Britain in a state of deep emotional “blueness.”

Wars and their aftermath

World War I (1914-1918) & World War II (1939-1945): Nations worldwide were “blue with grief” over the immense loss of life. Soldiers, families, and citizens alike were described as experiencing a profound sadness that lasted for years.

Economic depressions and hardship

The Great Depression (1929-1939) is one of the clearest examples of a time when the entire nation felt “blue.” Unemployment rates soared. Families lost homes and savings. A pervasive sense of despair overtook the country. Newspapers, books, and political speeches from the time reflected the “blue” mood of America,

Examples in Modern Political Rhetoric

Joe Biden’s Inauguration (2021): Following the COVID-19 pandemic and national unrest, Biden described the U.S. as “a country that has suffered” - a period of “blue” emotion.

Climate Change & Environmental Grief: Many activists describe climate anxiety as “a deep blue feeling of helplessness.”

COVID-19 Pandemic: The years 2020-2022 were described as “a time of global grief,” with public health officials and world leaders acknowledging the collective sadness.

Use of the phrase “feeling blue” in literature and the media

In literature

The colour blue has long been used in literature as a symbol of deep sadness. For example in Walt Whitman’s introspective poetry, which uses blue imagery in many poems to reflect melancholy and longing, in poems like Leaves of Grass, and Song of Myself.

In the classic novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, published in 1925, the color blue is symbolically throughout the novel to reflect Jay Gatsby’s sadness and longing for Daisy.

In film and TV

The concept is also broadly found in film and TV. For example, in the film Inside Our, released in 2015, the character representing sadness is literally blue, visually embodying “feeling blue.” Incidentally, the explores the importance of sadness in relationships and emotional growth.

Then there’s the use of blue tones in the film Donnie Darko released in 2001, which eflects the main character’s depression and existential crisis. Meanwhile, iin the film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, released in 2004, the movie’s visual aesthetic leans heavily on blue tones, in order to emphasise heartbreak and sadness.

The phrase “feeling blue” also appears quite frequently in film dialogue, for instance, in the

iconic line “I’m just feeling a little blue today.” in the film Forrest Gump released in 1994.

Then in the TV series Breaking Bad (2008–2013), blue is a dominant color in the series, symbolizing both power and depression.

In music

The concept of feeling blue is particularly prominent in music, especially through the birth of the blues genre in the early 1900s, which was the first major genre to fully embrace the concept of “feeling blue.” It originated from African American communities in the Deep South and evolved into a structured musical form. With lyrics that often spoke of heartbreak, suffering, loneliness, and longing.

Over time, “feeling blue” has influenced nearly every genre:

• Blues (1900s–present) – The foundation of “blue” music.
• Jazz (1920s–1950s) – Blues-infused sorrow in vocal jazz.
• Rock (1950s–1980s) – Emotional guitar-driven ballads.
• Country (1950s–present) – Storytelling about heartbreak and pain.
• Pop & R&B (2000s–present) – Introspective, moody lyrics over melodic production.

Even hip-hop and electronic music have embraced the “feeling blue” aesthetic, especially in lo-fi beats, emo rap, and alternative R&B.

Popular songs on the subject of feeling blue include: (but certainly aren’t limited to)

• I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues by Elton John, released in 1983,
• Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue released by Crystal Gayle in the year 1977
• Elvis Presley’s Blue Suede Shoes released in 1956 (a mix of blues and rock ‘n’ roll)

What are some other ways of saying “feeling blue”?

In social media and instant messaging, emojis such as sad faces and blue hearts are often used ton convey sadness or to indicate empathy with someone over something.

When you use words and phrases however, you generally have a lot more options. Here are some examples of synonymous terms and sayings that you may be able to use in place of “feeling blue.”

• Feeling down / sad / depressed / melancholic / morose / miserable / moody / pessimistic / bereft / glum
• Down in the dumps
• Down in the mouth
• In a funk

Final word

So, in summary, the phrase “feeling blue” means feeling sad. Or in other words, feeling down, or depressed. The precise origin of the term is not known but it is most frequently attributed to the naval tradition of raising blue flags when a prominent crew member has passed away.

There are many uses of the phrase and the concept of feeling blue in history and politics, including the experience of collective “blue” moments and times. It has also seen considerable use in classical and modern literature, TV series, film and music.