Quote Originally Posted by 3 Sheets To The Wind
The reference is to a sailing ship in disarray, that is with its sheets (lines - not "ropes" - that adjust the angle at which a sail is set in relation to the wind) flapping loosely in the breeze. When loose or let go, the sheets would let the sails go slack. The ship would then lose speed and control. It would begin to shudder and stagger, much like a drunk.
very cool....I never knew where exactly it came from.