What it means
Legless means absolutely hammered, so drunk your legs have basically resigned and the walk home turns into a wobble-and-pray mission. It’s a very British and Aussie way to say someone’s well past tipsy and in no fit state to get anywhere without help, a taxi, or both.
Usage examples
"Dave was legless by ten, tried to have beef with the kebab van, then begged the bouncer for a lift. We ended up fireman-carrying him to the taxi."
"He was absolutely legless by nine and we had to pour him into a taxi."
"By the end of the wedding reception, Auntie Sue was legless and trying to order chips from the DJ."
"We only went out for two pints and Tom ended up legless, hugging a lamppost and calling it his best mate."
"By closing time Jamie was legless, giving a heartfelt speech to the cash machine and missing every word he meant to say."
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Where it comes from
It’s a straight literal image that’s been knocking around British and Irish English since at least the early 20th century. The joke is simple and sturdy: you’ve had so much to drink your legs are basically off duty, so standing up and walking stop being reliable skills and turn into a full wobble circus.
Other ways to say it
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