My husband has kept bees, and believe me, bees knees alone are not impressive. They do serve an important function as this is where pollen is carried. (In laymens terms)
Why then do people use the term "Bees Knees" to mean outstanding? i.e. "That shindig was the bees knees!"
First let's take a look at it's original origin. Take Our Word For It, explains that this term first meant unimpressive and was first used in 1797. (You'll need to scroll down on this website to find the source.)
As usual, words and phrases have a way of, well, deteriorating.
This week I wandered far and wide to find a new and different source to educate us. Believe me, this website is the bees knees! (By today's definition.) This term became popular in the 1920's along with "The Cat's Pajamas" and "The Flea's Eyebrows". Uh, okay.
Interestingly, from what I gathered, Britains use this term more than Americans. And they say Americans don't influence other cultures!
Yes, that's right I started a sentence with the word "and". A major no-no in my book. This time it just fit. I couldn't think of how to say the sentence otherwise.
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