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Why is it called "On the wagon" or "Fallen off the wagon"?
And wtf does it actually mean?
I'm sure someone just made it up to annoy me.
I can't drink no more, so am I on or off the wagon?
As for heat.........well , I live in shitty england, nuff said.
Jonno :cool:
It's because in the days of yore, alcoholics were deemed to be insane by clergymen and doctors alike. Once every twenty days, a horse and cart was sent around the village. If you were 'on the wagon' then it meant you couldn't drink anymore because you were sent for rehabilitation.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jon L. Obscene
In this case rehabilitation means being locked in a cage, without food or water, and daubed with a mystical potion made of herbs and blessed by holy men, until the madness subsided. Unsurprisingly this technique of curing madness had a very high success rate indeed, hence the practice was continued for centuries.
Once cured, the drunks were rounded up and delivered back to the village. Once they were 'off the wagon' they were free to drink.
Everything we do has the secret purpose of annoying you. :ph34r:Quote:
Originally Posted by Jon L. Obscene
Well fuck me I did'nt know that, I figured it was something to do with old england and our brilliant theories about stuff :rolleyes:Quote:
Originally Posted by manker
@Guil...... Yeah I know dude, the whole world was only created to annoy me, cos I'd be the centre of the universe...........no wait......or is that my centre is like a universe................which brings me to another question.....why is it called "Universe"? .....something to do with 1 I imagine.
Jonno :cool:
Oh, wait.
In the days where every nobleman worth his salt owned a decent sea-worthy vessel for importing valuable commodities such as spices, cloth and gems. It was common practice for the crew to be given a ration of rum while at sea - this kept them happy while on long, boring voyages, it made the tedious trip go smoother.
However, once on dry land they needed to acquire a means of transporting the commodities from the trader to the place where the ship was docked - horse drawn wagons were almost always used.
Since bandits were a problem, the crew were ordered not to drink during this process - in order to keep their wits about them, ie. no drinking while on the wagon. Altho' often outnumbered, the crew were heavily armed with guns which easily repelled the lightly armed attackers, provided they were sober, that is.
Once the men were off the wagon and the goods had been safely transported to the ship, drinking resumed.
It really could be either, I always get them mixed up :P
There are countless theories about 'On the wagon'. The oldest I can find is about prisoners on their way to execution in the 16th century. They were taken to their execution on a wagon. They were allowed to stop at a tavern for 'a last drink' When asked if they wanted more drink they replied they were not allowed because they 'were on the wagon'.:)
My theories are much better :snooty:
Mines is much older. So am I.:lol:Quote:
Originally Posted by manker
damn.
this sober shit is wierd :wacko:
what do people do on the wagon?
I could be three sheets to the wind by this time of evening.......
help.......anyone...... :unsure:
:P
Look within & learn.