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Extensive etymology here: https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/three_sheets_to_the_wind
sheets does not refer to sails in this case, it means ropes or guy lines
March 28, 2025
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Sounds plausible but also smacks of folk etymology.
March 23, 2025
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Description is close, but it's not "Four" or "three" it's "Fore sheets to the wind" as in the bow of the ship. Probably misunderstood by those who couldn't read or write as nautical days declined and passed on through generations. When a sailing ships fore sheets are to the wind, the ship is "tacking." (I.E. swinging from larboard to starboard.)
March 23, 2025
Comments by ssbn
ssbn commented on the user ssbn
Description is close, but it's not "Four" or "three" it's "Fore sheets to the wind" as in the bow of the ship. Probably misunderstood by those who couldn't read or write as nautical days declined and passed on through generations. When a sailing ships fore sheets are to the wind, the ship is "tacking." (I.E. swinging from larboard to starboard.)
March 23, 2025