Just curious about how this came about and why it means what it does. Makes no sense to me.
2006-06-07 19:19:19 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Quotations
Thanks for the correction. SHEETS. Got it. Also thanks for the explanations.
2006-06-07 19:30:38 · update #1
"Three sheets to the wind" is indeed a term for drunkenness that is derived from a sailing term. But the "sheets" in question are not the sails, but the lines (ropes).
The "sheet" is the line that controls the sails on a ship. If the line is not secured, the sail flops in the wind, and the ship loses headway and control. If all three sails are loose, the ship is out of control.
2006-06-07 19:33:09 · answer #1 · answered by X 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think it is "a few sheets to the wind."
I believe it is a sailing term. A sailing vessel that had a few "sheets" (sails) "to the wind" would follow an erratic course, rather like a drunk staggering about.
2006-06-08 02:24:11 · answer #2 · answered by zen 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It’s a sailor’s expression, from the days of sailing ships. And it's three sheets to the wind..
2006-06-08 02:30:20 · answer #3 · answered by tootiefrootie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I thought it was" three sheets to the wind' and I havent a clue of its origin.
2006-06-08 02:24:41 · answer #4 · answered by Damian A 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its a few sheets to the wind... because sheets are soo thin... and the wind can just take it away
2006-06-08 02:22:55 · answer #5 · answered by doll face 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i heard it as "a few sheets to the wind."
2006-06-08 02:22:40 · answer #6 · answered by nickipettis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋