friend of Bill W.

== English == === Alternative forms === friend of Bill, friend of Bill's === Etymology === An allusion to William Griffith Wilson (1895–1971), known as “Bill W.”, one of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous. === Pronunciation === === Noun === friend of Bill W. (plural friends of Bill W.) (idiomatic, euphemistic) A recovering alcoholic, especially one who is a member of the organization Alcoholics Anonymous. ==== Usage notes ==== Because of the stigma attached to alcoholism, and Alcoholics Anonymous' commitment to protecting the identities of its members, the phrase is a furtive shibboleth for individuals to identify themselves as members of Alcoholics Anonymous, or to identify Alcoholics Anonymous meetings on schedules, etc. Often used in eulogies and obituaries when the deceased person was a recovering alcoholic. ==== See also ==== friend of Dorothy === References === “friend of Bill W.”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.