teetotaler

A teetotaler is a person who abstains from all alcoholic beverages. The term is used in English to describe someone who commits to complete abstinence from alcohol, whether for health, religious, moral, or personal reasons. It can also refer to the broader philosophy or movements that advocate total abstinence from drinking. The word is common in British and Commonwealth varieties of English and is understood in other varieties as well.

The origin of the word is tied to the British temperance movement of the early 1830s. It is widely reported to derive from a pledge emphasizing total abstinence, sometimes described as "T-total" or "total abstinence." The precise etymology is debated, and several explanations exist, but the association with temperance activism is well established.

In modern usage, teetotalism is sometimes adopted as a lifestyle choice, and some social, educational, or workplace environments promote alcohol-free policies that align with teetotal principles. The term can be used descriptively to refer to individuals who never drink, as well as to historical discussions of prohibition-era advocacy and temperance organizations such as temperance unions and societies. Teetotalism is distinct from moderation, as it denotes complete avoidance of alcohol rather than control over consumption.