The rather derogatory expression ‘long-winded’ may be applied to people or to their writing. It refers to tedious, overly-lengthy or repetitive use of language.
Wind has long been used as a synonym for vigour and energy. Since the 16th century authors have used ‘long-winded’ and ‘short-winded’ to denote dynamism and decrepit horses were called ‘broken-winded’.
The earliest uses of the expression ‘long-winded’ relate to its literal meaning, that is, ‘capable of doing something for a long time without becoming breathless’. Clearly here ‘wind’ means ‘breath’.
An early example of that meaning in print is in Rembert Dodoens’ A Niewe Herball, or Historie of Plantes, 1578
Saffron taken in sweete wine causeth one to be long winded and to fetch his breath easily, and it is good for them that are shorte winded, and Asthmatique.
The ‘tedious and over-long language’ meaning cam esoon after that, in Martin Marprelate’s Hay any worke for Cooper, 1589:
It is but 38 lines, thou art longer winded then Deane Iohn is.
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