Blue

As a colour, blue has been associated with sadness and low spirits since the 14th century. This is thought to derive from a candle burning blue, which was considered an omen of death or signifying the presence of the devil. Conversely and confusingly, blue is also the colour of constancy, as in true blue. Blue as in dismal, depressed or fearful, originally “to look blue”, dates from the mid-1500s. The blues as in the music genre, derives from the same source, but dates from the late 19th/ early 20th century. Blue or bluey is also Australian and New Zealand slang for someone, usually male, with red hair and also for a fight or a rumpus. The two meanings may be connected because some sources state that many red-haired Irish immigrants were quick to initiate or join in fights. Both usages date from c. 1890.