The Bee’s Knees
The bee’s knees makes me think of the 1920s. Several unusual expressions became popular then.
The bee’s knees means excellent.
Although the expression may be outdated, desire for the best continues.
We want to:
- Live great lives.
- Maintain strong relationships.
- Buy high-quality items.
We see that in advertisements for:
- Fancy cars
- Elaborate homes
- High-class clothes
- Outstanding entertainment
The origin of the expression remains uncertain.
According to The Free Dictionary, “Some people believe [it] refers to the way … bees transfer pollen … from their bodies to pollen sacs on their back legs.” It also says the expression first referred to “something small and insignificant.” However, “it quickly developed into its current … opposite meaning.”
The Phrase Finder lists other possibilities. It says the expression “was originally an 18th century fanciful phrase.” The bees knees “referred to something that didn’t exist … like a left-handed hammer. This meaning is no longer used.”
Both sites mention the expression’s addition to the “nonsense language” of the Roaring Twenties.
Like the bee’s knees, let’s be the best we can be.
The expression’s language may be nonsense. Its meaning is not. Let’s make the world better for everyone.
- Put our best foot forward,
- Forget competition.
- Build up rather than tear down.
- Live the best we can for everyone’s sake.
“Don’t think only of yourself. Try to think of the other fellow, too, and what is best for him” (1 Corinthians 10:24 TLB).
Thanks to Jane Ashley Pace for the suggestion and to Debbie Tapscott for the photo.
Do you have an expression you want explained or thoughts about this one? If so, please comment below.
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