I recently contracted a cold.  It began with an irritated throat, migrated to a stuffy nose and sinuses ultimately leading to overall fatigue, aches and pains.

I never complain about such minor illness, but I did mention it to my wife who passed on the information to my daughter.  “Oh he has a man cold eh!” she said.

The Man Cold

Not being current on all the latest jargon I decided to investigate the meaning behind the phrase.   It is  defined as an affliction usually caught by boyfriends or husbands, exhibiting cold-like symptoms, but no one has ever been as sick or tired as one who catches the man cold.

Really, I was beginning to sense I was the victim of an unconcious bias propagated by the female species.  This was how strong, self motivated and independent males were being viewed.

Digging Deeper

I continued my search and the level of sarcasm increased.

“The name ‘man cold’ disguises the true terrible, debilitating disease that is the man cold. Nearly all men will die from man colds unless they are administered immediately with large amounts of mindless TV such as Big Bang Theory or childrens’ songs (the wiggles anyone). It is essential that they not move from bed or a comfy sofa to allow for rehabilitation and must have tissues and man cold medicine (such as chocolate biscuits, McDonalds, or a nice cup of tea) brought to them constantly by a nearby female.”

Sadly for me I had to suffer in silence and care for myself.  No sympathy.   Of course I had the deadly man cold but it’s a good thing I am a manly man and can take care of myself.