get the vapors

old-fashioned Typically of a woman, to be about to faint or feel as though one might faint. The "vapors" is a physical and mental condition of the 18th and 19th century attributed to women. Symptoms included dizziness, fainting, and mood instability. So named because it was thought to be caused by vapors emanating from the uterus. My goodness, with all this excitement, I do feel as though I am getting the vapors! Lady Jane retired to her room to lie down. I think she's gotten the vapors from all this stress. Go fetch a chair for Mother—she's liable to get the vapors in this heat.