When Words Come Out

[den]

Whisky can't get in. Hand signals for the Modern Drunkard.

Comments

[level-head.livejournal.com]

Hello, Batty Den!

Is the expression "four sheets to the wind" common in Australia? In the States, it's "three sheets to the wind" with the same meaning. It suggests a regional difference in the configuration of the main sail on a ship; four control lines instead of three.

===|==============/ Level Head

[dewhitton.livejournal.com]

We do run four sheets to the wind here. However, I was under the impression "The Modern Drunkard" was a US magazine. Maybe there are regional differences Over There.

Re:

[level-head.livejournal.com]

I am something of a student of slang, from an etymological standpoint, and had never heard the "four sheets" version before.

Few in this country realize that, to a sailor, "sheets" are ropes, not sails. And that "sheets to the wind" refers to ropes flapping loose leaving the sail out of control and unable to deliver thrust.

But these folks don't know where the term "scandalize" comes from either.

===|==============/ Level Head

[dewhitton.livejournal.com]

Those folk should stop trimming their vocabulary.

But, it's always been "four sheets~" here. Regional differences and all that.