out of sorts

Definition

Irritable or somewhat unwell, with vague medical symptoms.

Etymology

Comes from printing terminology where "sort" means a metal type for printing a particular letter.

Example Sentences

• "[T]he trooper fails to fasten the brooch. His hand shakes, he is nervous, and it falls off. "Would any one believe this?" says he, catching it as it drops and looking round. "I am so out of sorts that I bungle at an easy job like this!""
• ""My lads," said he, "we've had a hot day and are all tired and out of sorts.""
• "Carlo Ancelotti's out-of-sorts team struggled to hit the target in the first half as Bolton threatened with Matthew Taylor lashing just wide."