off one’s feed: Idiom Meaning and Origin

"Off one's feed" is an expression that means experiencing a lack of appetite or not eating as usual. This idiom is commonly used in both British and American English. It can refer to a person or an animal's decreased interest in food, but it can also be used metaphorically to describe a general lack of enthusiasm, motivation, or energy towards a particular activity or task.

The phrase "off one's feed" originated from the world of animal husbandry, specifically in the care of horses and livestock. In this context, "feed" refers to food or the act of eating. When an animal is "off its feed," it means that the animal is not eating as much or as eagerly as it typically would, often indicating illness or some other underlying issue.

In humans, this idiom suggests a similar lack of appetite or desire to eat. It can describe a temporary condition, such as when a person is feeling unwell and has little interest in food. However, it can also indicate a more prolonged loss of appetite due to physical or emotional reasons. Regardless of the cause, being "off one's feed" highlights a deviation from one's normal eating habits and is often a sign of an underlying health or emotional problem.

Metaphorically, "off one's feed" can extend beyond the realm of physical hunger to describe a lack of interest or enthusiasm towards a specific activity or endeavor. It conveys a sense of being disengaged, unenthusiastic, or out of sync with one's usual level of involvement or motivation. For example, if someone is described as being "off their feed" at work, it implies that they are not performing up to their usual standards and are lacking their usual drive or dedication.

Now, let's explore the related idioms: "off one's nut" and "off one's tree".

"Off one's nut" is another idiomatic expression that means being crazy or mentally unstable. It is similar to being "off one's feed" in the sense that both idioms describe a deviation from one's normal state. While "off one's feed" primarily focuses on the lack of appetite or enthusiasm, "off one's nut" emphasizes a state of mental instability or irrationality. It is an informal way of describing someone who is acting in a way that is considered abnormal or strange.

"Off one's tree," on the other hand, is an idiomatic expression that means being extremely intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. It is derived from the image of someone being so high or intoxicated that they feel as if they are climbing a tree or are completely disconnected from reality. This idiom is often used to describe someone who is behaving in a wild or outrageous manner due to the effects of alcohol or drugs.

While these two idioms, "off one's nut" and "off one's tree," are not directly related to the concept of being "off one's feed," they share a similar structure and usage in everyday language. All three idioms describe a deviation from one's normal state, whether it be in terms of appetite, mental stability, or sobriety. They are informal expressions used to convey a certain state or condition in a concise and relatable way.

Overall, the idiom "off one's feed" captures the experience of a lack of appetite or disinterest in both animals and humans. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a lack of enthusiasm or engagement in a particular activity or endeavor. While not directly related, the idioms "off one's nut" and "off one's tree" share a similar structure and usage in everyday language, conveying a deviation from one's normal state in different contexts. These idiomatic expressions add depth and variety to our language, allowing us to express complex experiences and states of being in a concise and relatable way.