Woke Up on the Wrong Side of the Bed – Meaning and Origin

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Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond studied Advanced Writing & Editing Essentials at MHC. She’s been an International and USA TODAY Bestselling Author for over a decade. And she’s worked as an Editor for several mid-sized publications. Candace has a keen eye for content editing and a high degree of expertise in Fiction.

Woke up on the wrong side of the bed means that someone is in a notably irritable or unhappy mood, often due to a rough start to the day. Imagine a morning when your alarm doesn’t go off, your coffee overflows, and you can’t find your favorite shirt. It’s on days like these that you might exclaim, “I definitely woke up on the wrong side of the bed.

The origin of this particular idiom goes all the way back to ancient Rome.

Idioms like this one are unique phrases where the words don’t directly translate to the overall meaning. They enrich the English language, making conversations more colorful and expressive.

Curious about the deeper history behind this saying and how it became such a staple in our language? Dive into the rest of the article to uncover its roots and discover more examples of its use in everyday life.

Woke Up on the Wrong Side of the Bed Meaning

Woke Up on the Wrong Side of the Bed – Meaning and Origin

Woke up on the wrong side of the bed is an idiom that means someone began their day in a bad mood or with a negative attitude.

The phrase draws upon the imagery of how one’s initial actions or circumstances in the morning can influence the entire day’s mood. Historically, there were beliefs and superstitions about the “right” side to get out of bed, suggesting that the “wrong” side might bring misfortune or negativity.

In modern times, it is an everyday way to express that someone is having an off day or feeling irritable. For many, like myself, it’s a lighthearted way to address morning grumpiness, especially with kids. It underscores the importance of starting the day right, as our morning experiences often set the tone for the following hours.

Is It Wake Up or Get Up on the Wrong Side of the Bed?

So, woke up on the wrong side of the bed is the more common version, but some people might use get up on the wrong side of the bed to express the same sentiment. Both convey the idea of starting the day in a sour mood, so pick your favorite and roll with it!

Woke Up on the Wrong Side of the Bed Origin and Etymology

Believe it or not, the phrase has ancient origins that go back to the Romans. They believed that getting out of bed on the literal right side would bring them luck throughout the day.

Through the years, this superstition evolved into the more figurative idiom we use today to describe simply being in a bad mood.

Woke Up on the Wrong Side of the Bed Synonyms

  • Had a rough start
  • Not a morning person today
  • Started off on the wrong foot
  • Grumpy boots on
  • Had a bad start

Examples of Woke Up on the Wrong Side of the Bed in a Sentence

Woke Up on the Wrong Side of the Bed – Meaning and Origin 1

  • Mom woke up on the wrong side of the bed, avoiding everyone at breakfast.
  • If you’re going to snap at everyone, did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed?
  • Sorry, I must have woken up on the wrong side of the bed; everything’s annoying me today.
  • Why the long face? Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed?
  • It’s rare for him, but today, he definitely woke up on the wrong side of the bed.
  • Try some morning meditation if you wake up on the wrong side of the bed.
  • “I apologize for my behavior earlier; I woke up on the wrong side of the bed,” she admitted.
  • She spilled her coffee this morning and joked she must’ve woken up on the wrong side of the bed.

Get Up on the Right Side!

Woke up on the wrong side of the bed is more than just an old saying. It’s a witty way to express those grouchy mornings we all face occasionally. But don’t let a rough start get you down. After all, there’s always coffee, a redo button for the day, or another idiom to describe your adventures.