Where did the term "catching a cold" come from?

Answer by  TJenkins602 (656)

The term "catching a cold" and all its variations originated in the 1st Century AD when Celsius declared that being out in the cold or the winter season produces all the unpleasant afflictions like headaches, coughs sore throats and other painful or uncomfortable afflictions that make up what is commonly known as the cold or the flu.

Answer by  booboobear (139)

"Catching a cold" is an idiomatic expression. It is a phrase that was coined a very long time ago, because of the fact that a person can passively receive a cold from other sources. It is the same usage as when you use the expression "the building caught fire." Shakespeare is said to be the first to have used this.