Where “Legless” Comes From
“Legless” means so drunk you can hardly stand. Green’s Dictionary of Slang defines it as “drunk to the extent of nearly or actually falling over”, with examples from the UK, US, Ireland and Australia.
Its earliest dated use in Green’s is from 1884, in the British Sporting Times. The picture is easy to see: your legs have stopped working.
Source:
“He was absolutely legless by midnight.”
How Aussies Actually Use It
It’s a casual, humorous word, often used about yourself the morning after.
In Real Life
Legless is a funny, mild way to describe someone who’s had too much to drink, usually in a story told the next day: “I was legless by midnight.” It’s about the physical effect, where the drinker can’t walk straight, rather than about behaviour. Australia has many such words, including “maggot”, “shickered” and “full as a goog”. As always, if you’re drinking, don’t drive and look after your mates.
Quick Questions
Is legless rude?
No. It’s informal and humorous, but it’s about being drunk, so it’s not for formal use.
What other words mean very drunk?
Maggot, shickered, blotto and full as a goog are some other Australian and British options.
Say It Like an Aussie
Say it: LEG-less.
In conversation:
- We were legless after the wedding.
- Don’t let him drive, he’s legless.
- She got legless at the Christmas party.
Good to know: It’s a light-hearted way to describe being very drunk. Please don’t drive or swim after drinking.
See also: Maggot, Shickered, Boozington
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