# Three sheets to the wind...

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-sheets-to-the-wind/6596>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [January 28, 2000, 6:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-sheets-to-the-wind/6596 "2000-01-28T06:45:00Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![ChiefScott](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/58f4c7/32.png) [@ChiefScott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChiefScott)\
**Post date:** [January 28, 2000, 6:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-sheets-to-the-wind/6596/1 "2000-01-28T06:45:00Z")

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Yes.

I used the search feature. Classic, recent, mailbag and all forums.

The term “three sheets to the wind” is used to describe a particularly drunk person.

Where did the phrase come from and how did it get its association with intoxication? It has a vague nautical feel to it. Perchance it deals with drunken sailors in some way?

Still, it’s itching my brain and driving me to drink.

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Laugh and the world laughs with you. Smilie and you smilie alone (with my contempt). – missdavis

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**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\
**Post date:** [January 28, 2000, 6:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-sheets-to-the-wind/6596/2 "2000-01-28T06:59:00Z")

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Its a nautical term referring to the sails to catch the wind to get or keep the vessel moving. How it relates to an inebriated person, I have no idea.

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**Author:** ![aseymayo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a88e57/32.png) [@aseymayo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aseymayo)\
**Post date:** [January 28, 2000, 7:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-sheets-to-the-wind/6596/3 "2000-01-28T07:30:00Z")

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Here you go, Chief.  
[The Word detective](http://www.word-detective.com/back-p.html#sheets)  
(If you look at his main page, you’ll see we’re not the only ones troubled by the -Gry That Wouldn’t Die).

Also found this:  
[three sheets](http://members.aol.com/MorelandC/HaveOrigins.htm), with pretty much the same info.

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**Author:** ![aseymayo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a88e57/32.png) [@aseymayo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aseymayo)\
**Post date:** [January 28, 2000, 7:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-sheets-to-the-wind/6596/4 "2000-01-28T07:36:00Z")

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Sorry - if you use the second link, you have to look for the phrase under “nautical.”

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**Author:** ![ChiefScott](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/58f4c7/32.png) [@ChiefScott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChiefScott)\
**Post date:** [January 28, 2000, 7:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-sheets-to-the-wind/6596/5 "2000-01-28T07:53:00Z")

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Neat links which I’ve bookmarked.  
Thanks, Asey.

* * *

Laugh and the world laughs with you. Smilie and you smilie alone (with my contempt). – missdavis