Cape Horn fever

noun

, Nautical Slang.

1. illness feigned by malingerers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Cape Horn fever¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

‘It's awfully coincidental Jane is sick the same time that big report is due. Must be Cape Horn Fever.’

From Fox News

What sailors call the "Cape Horn fever," alarmingly prevailed; though it disappeared altogether when we got into the weather, which, as with many other invalids, was solely to be imputed to the wonder-working effects of an entire change of climate.

From Project Gutenberg