Three sheets to the wind?

Question

where does this saying come from please

Answer 1

It was originially meant to say that someone was so drunk that they'd pee the bed and you'd see their sheet out in the wind dryin the next day.

I actually have no idea if that's true, I just made it up, but it could possibly be the answer.

Answer 2

In NW UK it means to be drunk or daft. Usually the former.

Answer 3

sailing ships . 3 masked ships full sails  full speed go as fast as we can .  the use of the words to mean drunk i am not so sure of expect that sailors on British ships were given rum every day.

Answer 4

Definitely to do with sails , ships and out of control.

Answer 5

the real reason they say"three sheets in/to the wind http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-thr1...

Answer 6

i will be soon i'm off out tonight  lol

Answer 7

Meaning:

Drunk.

Origin:

When three sheets were used as sails on ships and were not attached properly they blew around uncontrollably.

The motion of which was compared to a drunk person who was moving around uncontrollably.

Hope this helped!!

Answer 8

The Tea Clippers had four or more sheets(sails) and someone who is said to be three sheets to the wind is not in full sail.... a bit like the expression one slate short of a roof...or...one sandwich short of a picnic.............

Basically used to describe someone who is not in full control of themself.

Best wishes, Mike.