Doldrums
Northeasterly backing northwesterly 4 to 6, moderate, occasionally slight.
doldrums
doll-drumz
noun
A state or period of stagnation or depression
The word 'doldrums' is used to describe a state of sadness, listlessness, or low spirits. It is often used to refer to a period of stagnation or lack of progress, and is sometimes associated with a feeling of being trapped or stuck in a particular situation.
The word has its roots in nautical terminology. The doldrums are a region of the ocean near the equator where the prevailing winds are calm or light and variable, making it difficult for sailors to make progress. The term comes from the Old English word 'dol', meaning 'dull' or 'sluggish', and the Dutch word 'dol', meaning 'mad' or 'crazy'. The latter sense is likely related to the unpredictable and sometimes violent weather conditions that can occur in the doldrums, as well as the psychological strain that can result from being stuck in one place for an extended period of time.
The doldrums have been known to sailors since ancient times, and were a major obstacle for early explorers and traders who relied on wind-powered vessels to cross the oceans. In the days of sail, the doldrums were often referred to as the ‘horse latitudes’, a term which also had its origins in the difficulties of transoceanic travel. According to one theory, the term ‘horse latitudes’ referred to the practice of jettisoning horses and other cargo overboard in order to conserve water and supplies during times of drought or low winds.
Over time, the term 'doldrums' came to be used more broadly to describe any situation where progress is slow or difficult, and where there is a sense of being stuck or unable to move forward. This usage first appeared in the English language in the 19th century, and has since become a common metaphorical expression.
In addition to its metaphorical use, the word 'doldrums' is also used in a more literal sense in the fields of meteorology and oceanography. In these contexts, it refers specifically to the region of the ocean near the equator where the wind is weak and variable, and where there is often a marked decrease in rainfall. This area is also known as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), and is characterised by the presence of low pressure systems and thunderstorms.