Chill out

[kenmilne]

What is the origin of the phrase 'to chill out'?

[ineedahobby]

I cant base this answer on anything but I reckon its because your relaxed and cool etc etc..so cool you're chilled?

you know..I really do need a hobby

[Quizmonster]

This is an Americanism from the mid-70s meaning to relax. As the answer above suggests, the idea behind it is that you are avoiding any 'heat' or excitement and staying 'cool'. I suspect the 'out' element might be connected with the use of drugs to achieve the effect, in the sense that you are 'out of it', as it were!

[Grunty]

I wouldn't dream of arguing with Quizmonster, but I was once told that it was connected with drug taking.  Specifically, amphetamines which raise the body temperature quite considerably.  The cure is to lie the person down in a cool place and replace water in the body, i.e. chill out.

[Quizmonster]

Thanks for that, Grunty. I did see a likely drugs connection, as I suggested above, but I'm grateful for the far more specific explanation of the 'chill' element you have provided. I think I'll combine both our responses and use them next time the question comes up! Cheers