In the colorful lexicon of Victorian England, few expressions capture the era’s mix of humor, morbidity, and fascination with the human psyche quite like “got the morbs.” This curious phrase, first recorded around 1880, reflects the spirit of an age grappling with intense emotions, social change, and a fondness for quirky expressions. But what exactly does it mean to have “the morbs,” and why did this phrase come to signify a temporary bout of sadness or melancholy?
The Meaning of “Got the Morbs”
“Got the morbs” is a shorthand way of saying someone is feeling down or temporarily melancholy. In the 19th century, emotions were often described with medical terminology, and “morbs” likely stems from “morbid” – a term rooted in the Latin morbus, meaning disease or sickness. By describing sadness or melancholy as having “the morbs,” Victorians tapped into a medicalized view of emotions, treating melancholy as a condition or a passing affliction.
Essentially, to “get the morbs” meant that someone was experiencing a mild but noteworthy episode of gloom, akin to what we might call the “blues” or “feeling down” today. It conveyed that the mood was temporary, not severe, and would eventually pass, much like catching a mild cold.
A Glimpse into Victorian Attitudes Toward Emotion
The Victorians had a unique relationship with emotions, balancing between repression and fascination. While society was reserved and proper on the surface, people were privately captivated by the intricacies of the human mind. Literature from the era, such as the works of Charles Dickens and the Brontë sisters, often explores themes of sorrow, melancholy, and the human condition. Even Queen Victoria herself embodied this spirit – famously mourning her beloved Prince Albert for decades, thus epitomizing the era’s obsession with grief and introspection.
By labeling sadness as a condition, the Victorians were acknowledging the impact of emotions while still holding them at arm’s length, as if melancholy could be caught and cured. “Got the morbs” fits right into this mindset, offering a whimsical way to discuss feelings that might otherwise be considered too personal or revealing.
Why the Phrase “Got the Morbs” Disappeared
By the end of the 19th century, rapid social and technological changes swept away many Victorian customs and phrases. The onset of psychoanalysis and the growing field of psychology changed how people thought about emotions, introducing terms and concepts that delved deeper into the mind’s workings than casual phrases like “the morbs” ever could. Moreover, as society’s language evolved, lighthearted expressions about mood swings gave way to more clinical terminology.
Reviving “Got the Morbs” in Modern Times
There’s a renewed interest in quaint Victorian expressions, especially in a world where vintage and nostalgic trends hold sway. Rediscovering “got the morbs” brings a bit of humor to our own struggles with temporary sadness, offering a lighter way to acknowledge when we’re feeling low. With mental health awareness more important than ever, “got the morbs” provides a playful reminder that sometimes, sadness is just a passing state – a temporary dip in spirits that we can talk about openly without too much weight.
In summary, “got the morbs” is a delightful glimpse into Victorian culture’s complex relationship with emotions. Though outdated, it reminds us that feelings of melancholy are universal and timeless, transcending centuries and generations. So, next time you’re feeling a bit blue, consider saying you’ve “got the morbs” – it’s a charming way to describe those moments of passing gloom that we all experience.
