Down (adv) toward a lower place; to a lower level of intensity

Down (adj) unhappy

Down (n) soft, insulating under layer of feathers on a bird

Down (n) series of plays in an American football game

When I first thought of writing about down, I only intended to highlight the moving lower and the feather aspects.  As I reviewed the definitions, more meanings were revealed. The duplicity of words is incredible!  I’m curious, when you initially hear “down” what is the first meaning that comes to mind?

Down refers to moving from one position to a lower one.  Falling down, unfortunately, seems to be the most common occurrence of down.  One of those things none of us want to do, yet it happens more frequently than we’d like.  Falling down happens by tripping (See a previous word we’ve looked at “Trip”) or simple loss of balance.  Once we’re down, how quickly we can bounce back up again is the key.  Sometimes we just need to pause for a moment, assess the situation and potential damage to our body.  Gathering ourselves together then we can pick ourselves up.  This is also the best way to manage those moments of emotional downs – when we’re sad, depressed or just a bit out of sorts.  In both cases, having someone there to reach out certainly helps us regain our balance and get us back on our feet both literally and figuratively.  It’s okay to need help; it’s okay to ask for help.

A completely different usage of down refers to the softest of feathers on birds.  It is the insulating layer under their contour feathers.  Waterfowl spread an oil over their top layer of feathers which keeps the down dry, insulating the birds’ bodies.  Baby birds are typical only covered in down until they develop their big bird feathers as they mature.  Humans have been using feathers for insulation and softness for hundreds, if not thousands of years.  Evidence of a feather comforter was found dating back to 3000 B.C. in China!  The more common use of down dates back the 18^th century.  Our coats, vests, comforters of today have had tremendous advances in the design and humane collection of down. Look for RDS (Responsible Down Standard) label in products if purchasing down products.

This time of year, many of us are enthralled by our football teams.  We faithfully cheer them on to victory or try to maintain the hype when their performance is lackluster.  It has to be one of the craziest fall past times – fans paint their faces, yell at the TV screens and brave all types of weather to experience the excitement in person.  If the team is successful, the ball is advancing steadily towards the uprights through each series of downs.  If the players effectively move the ball ten yards, they earn another fresh succession of four downs.  It is exciting.  Really!

As you settle down on the couch, wrapped in a cozy down comforter, cheering your football team through another successful series of downs, how can you feel down?