ETYMOLOGY: In the olden days when a sail-powered vessel hit a calm region of the ocean, it could be stuck there for days. Sailors called that area the doldrums. The word is from Old English dol (dull, stupid), the ending influenced by the word tantrum.

When was the word doldrums invented?

The first known use of doldrums was in 1765.

Where is doldrum found?

The Doldrums are regions of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans that have little if any wind. ... The Doldrums are located a little north of the equator, but the effects can be felt from 5 degrees north of the equator to 5 degrees south of it. The trade winds border the Doldrums both to the north and south.