I’ve never fully understood “falling off the wagon.” How did that come to mean drinking again? Is the person “falling off” to run back to the booze? Anyone know?
twyspi - “On the wagon” refers to abstaining from alcohol, probably referring to the water wagons that were used to dampen dusty streets in the late 19th and early 20th century. “Falling off the wagon” thus means a return to drinking alcohol.
pouncingtiger about 14 years ago
And landed on his head.
pbarnrob about 14 years ago
Only six more to go, and he qualifies for a free trip to Betty Ford!
Dkram about 14 years ago
But he didn’t spill his drink.
He keeped his mouth shut.
\\//_
twj0729 about 14 years ago
I’ve never fully understood “falling off the wagon.” How did that come to mean drinking again? Is the person “falling off” to run back to the booze? Anyone know?
Sandfan about 14 years ago
twyspi - “On the wagon” refers to abstaining from alcohol, probably referring to the water wagons that were used to dampen dusty streets in the late 19th and early 20th century. “Falling off the wagon” thus means a return to drinking alcohol.
Jonni about 14 years ago
Again please, wagon’s carried booze so if you fell off there would be no delivery?
rockngolfer about 14 years ago
Here is Snopes answer.
http://www.snopes.com/language/phrases/wagon.asp