I love a good phrase. Today, I am “out of sorts.”

Meaning of phrase: Mildly unwell; not in one’s usual health or state of mind.

Origin of the phrase: Since at least the 17th-century ‘sorts’ has been the name of the letters used by typographers. To be ‘out of sorts’ simply meant the typesetter did not have the sorts needed to print a document.

So where’s the connection to today’s meaning? I am going to attempt to connect the dots.

At some point in the 18th century, a disorganized printer ran “out of sorts” and he could not finish a very lucrative print job. His printing company lost its biggest payday. As the printer walked the streets with his assistant, he was accosted by a friendly neighborhood man who inquired about his uncharacteristic state. The printer ignored the man and kept walking, but the assistant turned to the man and said “Forgive his unusual behavior, he is “out of sorts.” The rest, ladies and gentlemen, is history.