Fairweather Friend or Fair-Weather Friend – Meaning & Origin

Let’s take a moment to analyze the weather-themed idiom fair weather friend. It’s an interesting phrase that conjures up quite a vivid image. But don’t be fooled by its sunny disposition. The forecast isn’t always as bright as it seems. Let’s get to it!

Fair Weather Friend Meaning Explained

A fair-weather friend isn’t someone who only comes around when the weather is pleasant, tempting as that may sound. This phrase is used to describe a person who’s friendly, supportive and present when everything in your life is going smoothly—when the weather is fair. But when the storms hit and you need them the most, they’re nowhere to be found. In short, a fair-weather friend is a person who is only your friend during good times.

Is It Fair-Weather Friend, Fair Weather Friend, or Fairweather Friend?

Is it fair weather or fairweather? Or maybe it’s hyphenated? Well, the most commonly accepted spelling is fair-weather friend, with a hyphen.

The hyphen signifies that fair-weather is acting as a single descriptor for friend. That said, language is always evolving, and you might see it written as one word, “fairweather,” or two separate words, “fair weather.” But if you want to be on the safe side, stick with fair-weather friend.

Origin and Etymology of Fair-Weather Friend

The idiom fair-weather friend actually comes from a mariner’s term. In sailing, fair weather is easy and pleasant, offering smooth sailing. This phrase was first recorded in the early 18th century. It was used metaphorically to describe friends who are only around when life is easy and goes awry when things get tough.

What Is the Opposite of a Fair-Weather Friend?

A fair-weather friend’s opposite would be a foul-weather friend or a true friend. This refers to someone who sticks with you even during the stormiest times, the struggles and the challenges—when the weather isn’t fair.

Synonyms for Fair-Weather Friend

• Sunshine friend
• Summer soldier
• Fickle friend
• Temporary friend
• Opportunistic friend

Fair-Weather Friend Idiom Sentence Examples

• I thought we were close, but she turned out to be just a fair-weather friend.
• When my business failed, my fair-weather friends were nowhere to be found.
• You need more than fair-weather friends to get through tough times.
• He’s a fair-weather friend, only interested when things are going well.
• Fair-weather friends are easy to come by, but true friends are rare.
• I’ve had enough of your fair-weather friendship.
• It’s easy to be a fair-weather friend, but it takes commitment to stick around in tough times.
• When I was diagnosed with an illness, I discovered who my fair-weather friends were.
• After the scandal, all his fair-weather friends disappeared.
• He was a fair-weather friend, always ready with a smile in good times but absent in bad.

Clear Skies From Here

The phrase fair-weather friend serves as a sunny reminder that not all friends are there for us when the going gets tough. It’s a great way to describe those whose friendship only extends to the good times. So, when the clouds roll in, make sure you’re surrounded by true friends, not fair-weather ones.