roaring forties

plural noun

1. either of two areas in the ocean between 40° and 50° N or S latitude, noted for high winds and rough seas.

Roaring Forties

plural noun

1. nautical the areas of ocean between 40° and 50° latitude in the S Hemisphere, noted for gale-force winds

Word History and Origins

Origin of Roaring Forties¹

First recorded in 1875–80