Why Are They Called Teetotalers?

Richard Turner is credited with using the existing slang word, "teetotally", for abstinence from all intoxicating liquors. ... He would take names at his meetings of people who pledged alcoholic temperance and noted those who pledged total abstinence with a T. Such persons became known as Teetotallers.

Why is not drinking called T total?

Although “to teetotal” (t total, t-total) simply means “to never drink,” it meant something more specific when it first came to be used. ... Therefore the temperance movement began to call for total abstinence from all alcohol-containing beverages. To teetotal was to abstain from both hard liquor and wine, beer, etc.

What does Teetotalism meaning?

: the principle or practice of complete abstinence from alcoholic drinks. Other Words from teetotalism Example Sentences Learn More About teetotalism.