Top definition
When one resumes an addictive/compulsive behavior that they are trying to control. Originally referred only to drinking, but is now used in reference to all sorts of things including drugs, smoking, overeating, eating cerain foods, masturbation, casual sex, pornography...
by not_really_me March 15, 2004
Jun 18 Word of the Day
Adj. Something that is expected to have a long lifespan by virtue of having existed for a long time, based on the lindy effect, named for the New York restaurant Lindy's, coined by Albert Goldman and popularized by Nassim Taleb.
by mmebs June 13, 2021
2
Originally a phrase used when an alcoholic resumes drinking. The wagon is presumably the high school or college band wagon. In the 1950s, schools used to hold pep rallies for football teams. Often the music band would be on a wagon and the enthusiastic students would hop on the wagon. Alcohol was not allowed on the wagon. The phrase "back on the wagon" refers to one who quits drinking and hops on the band wagon, with a positive spirit, supporting the team and school. In other words, one who is happy to not drink. Relapsing into alcoholism is often sudden and unintentional, hence the description of falling off the wagon.
by ScottDMF October 09, 2015