: Some suggest a Native American origin, specifically among the Sioux, where "to go south" was a euphemism for dying. Related Concepts
: Often applied to failed deals, presentations, or projects.
: Recorded use in financial circles dates back to at least 1920 , appearing in the Elgin Dairy Reporter regarding falling commodity prices. It gained widespread popularity in the 1970s and 1990s.
The phrase "things went south" is an American idiom that describes a situation that has failed, lost value, or worsened significantly. Meaning and Usage : To "go south" means to deteriorate or decline. Contexts :
: The most common theory is that on two-dimensional maps, North is up (associated with positive progress) and South is down (associated with decline).
: Frequently used to describe a drop in stock market value or prices.
: Describes general mishaps, such as a car breaking down during a trip or an injury during a match. Origin Theories
