Ah, the honey-sweetness of the Bees’ Knees – a delightful treat brought to us by adorable honeybees everywhere! But have you ever wondered: where exactly do these delightful treats come from? As it turns out, the fascinating history of Bees’ Knees stretches back further than you might think. Join us on a journey through time, to explore the intriguing past of one of the world’s most beloved hive-dwelling treats – the Bees’ Knees!
1. The Lip-Smacking History of ‘Bees Knees’
The Bees Knees cocktail had a fascinating origin, of how two normally uncommon ingredients i.e. honey and lime were combined to concoct this 1920’s drink. The ingenuity of this drink can be attributed to Mario Boiardi, an Italian immigrant to the United States, who owned a restaurant in the famous Woodstock hotel.
The Significance: At the time, prohibition had been in effect in the United States. This was in response to the excessive consumption of alcohol the nation was indulging in. During this time, certain common alcoholic drinks were replaced with new concoctions of much weaker alcohol. Mario came up with the idea to mix gin with honey, lime, and a few other choice ingredients and presented it as a cocktail. This drink skirted the law of Prohibition and was thus popular among the elite in the city.
Eventually, it started becoming popular amongst the general public too. This proved to be an ingenious adaptation for the times and gave it the popularity it has today. Interestingly, the Bees Knees was actually used as a term to describe something extraordinary and still retains it today.
- It was first seen on record in the 1920s era
- Mario Boiardi was the owner of the Woodstock hotel
- It used to skirt the law of prohibition
- It has been used to describe something extraordinary
The combination of sweet honey and sour lime proved to be such a staple in cocktails during the 1920s and still continues today. There are variations of this recipe that include different ingredients with the same spirit of creativity that Mario had. His skill in creating a unique cocktail out of odd ingredients will surely be remembered for generations to come.
2. Sweet Origins: Where This Adorable Idiom Came From
It’s hard to say when exactly this delightful phrase first entered the English lexicon, but it thankfully has been part of our language for a good number of years. Though this idiom is common to many different countries, English speakers appear to have a particular affinity for its use and meaning.
Where did “sweet as honey” arise, and what did it mean? In some cases, the phrase was used to refer to something that was pleasing, or even desirable. For example, in the early 17th century, the English writer Sir Thomas Browne remarked on the beauty of summer days, saying “Christmastide is sweet as honey.”
But beyond its literal sense, there is a deeper layer of meaning found in this phrase as well. Because of its association with the food of the gods, honey has long been seen as an emblem of divine favor, of something that is special and blessed.
Thus, it’s no surprise why the phrase “sweet as honey” has endured the test of time. Its combination of literal and figurative meanings make provides us a powerful way to express our appreciation.
- It’s hard to track the exact origin of “sweet as honey”
- It has been used to refer to something pleasing or desirable
- The phrase has a deeper layer of meaning as honey is seen as a blessing
3. Bees Knees: A Fad That Made its Way into the English Language
You’ve likely heard the phrase “the bee’s knees” or seen it written, but where did it come from? This phrase, which basically means something is absolutely fantastic, made its way into the English language back in the ’20s as a fad.
No one knows exactly how the phrase originated, although there are some creative theories. One popular notion is that during Prohibition, when the sale of alcoholic beverages was illegal in the United States, bar patrons had to come up with creative ways to refer publicly to the strong and sweet drinks they favored, like gin and honey – the “bee’s knees”.
The phrase was also popular because it was so concise and easy to remember. It was also very descriptive, capturing in two words the idea that something is exceptional or extra special.
When the phrase entered the English lexicon, the phrase was originally spelled “bee’s knees”. Today, it’s commonly spelled “beez kneez”.
- In a nutshell:
- The phrase “bee’s knees” first appeared in the ’20s as a fad.
- Origin of the phrase unknown, although some popular theories abound.
- Remained popular because it was easy to remember, succinct, and descriptive.
- Originally spelled “bee’s knees” – today it’s often seen romanized as “beez kneez”.
4. From Shakespearean Slang to Present-Day Expression
William Shakespeare has long been regarded as one of the most influential figures in the English language, and many of his words and expressions have become part of everyday parlance. Even after centuries, his works still live on in present-day conversations. Here are some of the phrases that have transcended the ages:
- Foul Play – This phrase originates from Shakespeare’s “Henry VI,” where Duke Humphrey says he was “cheated of his life by fouler means.”
- Tongue-Tied – This expression first appears in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” in reference to Polonius, who claims he’s “tongue-tied by authority.”
- Knock-Kneed – This term is used to describe a person who stands with their knees inward (also known as “bow-legged.”) This phrase first appears in “Romeo & Juliet” when Romeo says Juliet “doth motive [him his] discourse with an appellation of [her] eye.”
Shakespeare is also credited with inventing some of the more colorful phrases in use today. Perhaps the most famous of these is the phrase “To be, or not to be,” a phrase that is now used to express a dilemma. This phrase, from Hamlet’s famous soliloquy, is an iconic and timeless statement of hope, despair, and determination.
Shakespearean slang has been used by many artists, authors, and musicians over the centuries. From rap lyrics to pop culture references, these phrases can be found everywhere. They are a testament to Shakespeare’s influence on the English language, and they will live on in everyday conversations for years to come.
5. Showdown at the Honeycomb: Infamous References to ‘Bees Knees’
What are the bees knees?
The ‘bees knees’ is an infamous idiom of the early 20th century in the United States, referring to something exceptionally good. The phrase was popular during the prohibition era of the 1920s, and its literal meaning was unclear to many people.
7 Infamous References to ‘Bees Knees’:
- The oriental dance craze of the 1920s was referred to as the ‘Bees Knees’
- The comic strip ‘Krazy Kat’ used the term ‘bees knees’ in 1930
- ‘Bugs Bunny’ popularized the phrase in 1950 with “What’s up Doc? The ‘Bees Knees’!”
- ‘The Great Gatsby’ of 1925 prominently featured the term
- ‘The Honeycomb Hideout’ was a popular speakeasy of the 1920s and known for its use of the ‘bees knees’ catchphrase
- The ‘bees knees’ was part of the jazz slang of the era
- An early 1920s song, ‘The Bees Knees’, was composed by Phil Baxter
The phrase became synonymous with having a good time, and the ‘Honeycomb Hideout’ was the perfect location for it. Taking the name from this infamous phrase, the ‘Honeycomb Hideout’ was a popular speakeasy of the 1920s, located in the lower echelons of New York City. It was a place for wealthy young people to escape the clutches of law enforcement, drink and indulge in jazz music, and generally have a good time. Eventually, the ‘Honeycomb Hideout’ was shut down, but its legacy as a party hotspot remained in the memory of those who attended it.
It’s clear to see that the phrase ‘bees knees’ has a fascinating and influential history, and its references have lasted throughout the years thanks to its strong cultural impact. To this day the phrase remains a part of the American cultural lexicon, a reminder of the wild and reckless flapper era of the 1920s.
6. Bee-utiful Adaptations of ‘Bees Knees’: How It’s Changed Over Time
The ‘bees knees’, an iconic phrase that has stood the test of time, has been praised and re-appropriated in different contexts since it first appeared in the English language. Throughout its evolution, people have employed creative and often humorous ways to modify the phrase. Here are six of the most popular adaptations and how they have changed over time:
- Brave New Knees: Updating the phrase to reflect current slang, ‘brave new knees’ is often used to express interesting and unique ideas. An example of this would be “his solution is the brave new knees of creating a sustainable energy grid.”
- Beautiful Bees Knees: A more positive spin on the phrase, ‘beautiful bees knees’ is used to express something really wonderful. For instance, one might say “the view from the summit was the beautiful bees knees.”
Another popular variant is ‘elegant bees knees’. This is used to express admiration or adoration, suggesting something is so great, it’s beyond words. “The sunset was the elegant bees knees.” we might say.
On the other hand, ‘needless bees knees’ or ‘useless bees knees’ indicates that something is ineffectual or inefficient. “His speech was the needless bees knees.” one might remark.
Lastly, ‘silly bees knees’ has come to represent something that’s really funny. As it conveys judgment, it can either be an insult or a compliment. “Her joke was the silly bees knees” implies that something was hilarious.
In summary, the ‘bees knees’ has been adapted into different phrases to express a variety of feelings, from admiration to ridicule, fostering its longevity as a beloved English phrase.
7. Having a Ball: Fun Facts About This Sweet Expression
Most likely, when you hear someone say “having a ball,” you think of a good time, laughter, and joy. But there are more layers to this expression than that–it packs a punch in its longevity and widespread influence. Here are some fun facts about “having a ball” that you may not have known:
- Having a ball is an expression that has been around for a long time. It was first recorded in the 1700s, but some scholars think that it dates back even further.
- The expression is related to “dancing a jig”, which is a fancy way of saying that someone is having a lot of fun.
The expression having a ball has been picked up in popular culture, and it has been used in movies, literature, and songs. From the hit 1925 jazz song “Ain’t We Got Fun” to its use by the Beatles in their song “Got to Get You Into My Life,” this expression has been around for almost a century.
What started as an expression to evoke a sense of joy has taken on a life of its own in pop culture. And while its original meaning may have been forgotten, its message still rings true: life is meant to be enjoyed and celebrated.
8. The Sweetest End: How to Use ‘Bees Knees’ in Everyday Conversation
The phrase “bees knees” is a fun and lighthearted way to express something that is the best, highest quality, or delightful. It’s a phrase that takes the idea of being “the best of the best” and makes it fun and flowery. This phrase is often used when referring to something as having a high level of value, or when someone is impressed with something.
How to Use “Bees Knees” in Everyday Conversation
- When you have something you’re truly impressed with, you can call it “the bee’s knees”. For example, if you are enjoying a spectacular sunset, you might say “This is the bee’s knees!”
- You can also use this phrase as a way of praising someone for something that they have done, either good or bad. For example, if your friend got an A on an important test you can say “That was the bee’s knees!”
- The phrase can also be used to express admiration in somebody else’s accomplishment or a shared experience, such as a meal at a restaurant. For example, if you and your friend had a delicious meal you can say “This was the bee’s knees!”
At the end of the day, “bee’s knees” is a fun and humorous way to express something that is the best of the best. Using this phrase in everyday conversation is sure to add an extra level of excitement and fun to your conversations. So the next time you want to express something that is excellent, give the phrase “bee’s knees” a try!
The renowned historical importance of the phrase “Bees Knees” continues to capture the imagination of many. Its journey from a seemingly silly expression with a mysterious origin, to one of the most beloved and well-known sayings of all time, has been truly marvelous. Now that you understand all the fascinating story behind this classic, we’re sure you’ll be the bee’s knees, too!
