Member-only story

Bees Knees and Barmy Armies: Unraveling the Origins of Our Everyday Phrases

Floyd Powell

·12.4k Followers· Follow

Published in Bees Knees And Barmy Armies Origins Of The Words And Phrases We Use Every Day

4 min read · 1 month before

1k View Claps

91 Respond

Save

Listen

The English language is a rich tapestry of words and phrases, each with its own unique story to tell. Some are derived from ancient traditions, while others are products of more recent events. In his book, "Bees Knees and Barmy Armies," author Jonathon Green takes us on a fascinating journey through the origins of some of the most common words and phrases we use every day.

Bees Knees and Barmy Armies - Origins of the Words and Phrases we Use Every Day

by Harry Oliver

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5237 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	258 pages

From the seemingly innocuous "bees knees" to the more enigmatic "barmy armies," Green uncovers the surprising and often humorous stories behind these everyday expressions. He delves into the historical events, cultural influences, and linguistic quirks that have shaped their usage.

Here are just a few of the many fascinating origins Green explores in his book:

Bees knees: This expression, meaning "the best," originated in the early 20th century as a slang term. It is thought to have derived from the idea that bees are hard-working and produce something sweet (honey),making their knees a symbol of excellence.
Barmy armies: This term, referring to a group of eccentric or disorganized people, dates back to the 16th century. It is believed to have originated from the behavior of certain mercenary armies during the Italian Wars. These armies were often unruly and prone to looting, leading to the phrase "barmy army" as a way to describe a chaotic group.
Cut to the chase: This expression, meaning "get to the point," originated in the early 1900s as a term used in film editing. When a film scene was being edited, it was often necessary to "cut to the chase" and remove any unnecessary footage.
Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater: This proverb, meaning "don't discard the good with the bad," has been around for centuries. It is thought to have originated from the practical need to avoid wasting water when bathing babies.
Elephant in the room: This expression, referring to an obvious but unacknowledged issue, dates back to the 19th century. It is thought to have originated from the idea that if there were an elephant in a room, it would be impossible to ignore its presence.

These are just a few examples of the many intriguing origins Green explores in his book. "Bees Knees and Barmy Armies" is a treasure trove of linguistic history, providing a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of our everyday language.

Whether you are a word nerd, a history buff, or simply curious about the origins of the words and phrases we use every day, "Bees Knees and Barmy Armies" is a must-read. It will entertain you, inform you, and give you a newfound appreciation for the rich tapestry of the English language.

Bees Knees and Barmy Armies - Origins of the Words and Phrases we Use Every Day

by Harry Oliver

4.4 out of 5