[Conspiracy Guy]

What is “The Vapors”? Is it excessive farting or what?

[JustaDumbBlonde]

Growing up in the South, I was always told that ‘the vapors’ was bad gas and that proper young ladies called it ‘the vapors’ as a way to excuse themselves from the room.

[rabidralph]

‘80s rock band, but that’s not important now.

[CarolTX]

My understanding of “The Vapors” (and I had Olde-Line Southern Ladies as aunts, great-aunts, and my grandmother) is that the term goes back to the wearing of super-snug corsets.

(Just recall that scene where Scarlett O'Hara is getting laced up to wear her fancy hoop skirt to the party...ouch!)

Anyway, this apparatus pretty much cuts the woman in half, making it difficult to breathe...leading to light-headed sensations...see also “swooning”.
On the other end...the air is compressed...and...use your imagination...there you get your “fluffs”.

I also haven't heard this term in decades, and I sincerely hope this “Vaporing” woman gets someone to loosen her Stays.