[net.misc] Origin of the term 'teetotaler'

hsc@lanl.ARPA (04/12/85)

   Has anyone got an idea as to the origin of the term teetotaler?
Thanks in advance.

 Scott (the sorcerer's appentice) Chesney    hsc@lanl.ARPA

bobd@zaphod.UUCP (Bob Dalgleish) (04/16/85)

> 
>    Has anyone got an idea as to the origin of the term teetotaler?
> Thanks in advance.
> 
>  Scott (the sorcerer's appentice) Chesney    hsc@lanl.ARPA

Yes ... A Methodist abolitionist in the 1800's had some problems with
his speech patterns.  When he tried to pronounce "total abstainer", it
came out "t-t-t-total ab-b-bsta-stainer".  People made fun of his speech
patterns, and started talking about "teetotalers".
-- 
[The opinions expressed here are only loosely based on the facts]

Bob Dalgleish		...!alberta!sask!zaphod!bobd
			      ihnp4!
(My company has disclaimed any knowledge of me and whatever I might say)

dkatz@zaphod.UUCP (Dave Katz) (04/16/85)

> 
>    Has anyone got an idea as to the origin of the term teetotaler?
> Thanks in advance.
> 
>  Scott (the sorcerer's appentice) Chesney    hsc@lanl.ARPA

Someone who beleives in capital "T" Total abstinence from alcohol.
  Webster's New Collegiate plus memory.

D.Katz