Chapter
The Origin of the Phrase "On the Wagon"
03:17 - 09:56 (06:38)
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the temperance movement led a parade through towns preaching abstinence from "devil's juice." They would invite people to take a pledge against alcohol and those who signed were said to be on the wagon. This led to the phrase "I'm on the wagon," meaning someone is abstaining from drinking.
Clips
This episode discusses the origins of the phrase "on the wagon" which apparently comes from the early 20th century when people would literally get on a wagon after a night of heavy drinking to sober up and never drink again.
03:17 - 04:54 (01:36)
Summary
This episode discusses the origins of the phrase "on the wagon" which apparently comes from the early 20th century when people would literally get on a wagon after a night of heavy drinking to sober up and never drink again.
ChapterThe Origin of the Phrase "On the Wagon"
EpisodeInteresting Origins of Everyday Phrases
PodcastStuff You Should Know
The phrase "on the wagon" originated from the temperance movement where people would pledge abstinence from alcohol and sign the pledge on a water cart, which sprayed water on the streets to prevent dust.
04:54 - 08:27 (03:33)
Summary
The phrase "on the wagon" originated from the temperance movement where people would pledge abstinence from alcohol and sign the pledge on a water cart, which sprayed water on the streets to prevent dust. If someone broke the pledge and drank alcohol again, they would have "fallen off the water wagon."
ChapterThe Origin of the Phrase "On the Wagon"
EpisodeInteresting Origins of Everyday Phrases
PodcastStuff You Should Know
The phrase "the exception that proves the rule" is often misunderstood and people believe it means that an outlier confirms a general rule, however, this is not the case.
08:27 - 09:56 (01:28)
Summary
The phrase "the exception that proves the rule" is often misunderstood and people believe it means that an outlier confirms a general rule, however, this is not the case.