The spelling of the phrase "gotten on wagon" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first word, "gotten," is spelled with a double "t" because of its pronunciation. In IPA, it is transcribed as /ˈɡɑː.tən/ with the "t" sound at the end emphasized. The second word, "wagon," is spelled with only one "g" because of the pronunciation. Its IPA transcription is /ˈwæɡ.ən/, with only one "g" sound heard. Therefore, the phonetic transcriptions of the two words influence their spellings.
The phrase "gotten on the wagon" refers to the act of abstaining from alcohol or drugs after a period of addiction or abuse. It is commonly used in the context of recovery from substance abuse, particularly alcoholism. The term "wagon" in this expression symbolizes sobriety and staying on the right path. "Gotten on the wagon" essentially means that an individual has made a conscious decision to give up alcohol or drugs and is actively maintaining their abstinence.
The phrase often implies that the person had previously struggled with addiction and has now made a commitment to live a clean and sober lifestyle. It suggests that they have made significant efforts to address their addiction, such as attending support groups, therapy sessions, or participating in a rehabilitation program. "Getting on the wagon" conveys the idea of actively and purposefully pursuing recovery.
The phrase is derived from the old colloquial expression "falling off the wagon," which means to succumb to temptation and resume substance abuse. Conversely, "getting on the wagon" denotes an individual's dedication to recovery, sobriety, and making positive changes in their life. The term is often associated with personal growth, resilience, and the ongoing strive for a healthier, addiction-free life.