Friday, February 26, 2010

Expressions Explained, Part 4




Personal hygiene left much room for improvement in the 1700s. As a result, many women and men had developed acne scars by adulthood. The women would spread bee's wax over their facial skin to smooth out their complexions. When they were speaking to each other, if a woman began to stare at another woman's face she was told, "mind your own bee's wax."

Should the woman smile, the wax would crack, hence the term, "crack a smile."

In addition, when they sat too close to the fire, the wax would melt...therefore, the expression losing face."


20 comments:

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Well, I just learn something new everyday. Thanks so much for the lesson. Have a great weekend, Sally!

Glo said...

Very interesting!

Becky K. said...

That is something else!

Thanks for the information.

Last night we were talking about some saying...although it eludes me now...and wondering how it came to be. If I remember it I am going to ask you about it. I thought of you right away.

Becky K.

squawmama said...

Sally that was so much fun to read... Thanks I love stuff like this. Have a super day!!!
Heard it is still cold there...
(((HUGS)))
Donna

LV said...

Tat phrase, you never get too old to learn, sure fit your blog today. I enjoyed hearing how some of the comments were started.

Needled Mom said...

I love reading from where the expressions we use originated.

April said...

These are GREAT, Sally...keep 'em coming!

Knitty said...

I love this type of trivia! Thanks for sharing it with us. :)

Mevely317 said...

I can sure identify with the "crack" part ... trouble is, I've there's no wax on my face on which to place blame!

xinex said...

Very interesting, Sally!...Christine

Sewconsult said...

Thanks for the lesson. I tried not to crack a smile, but it just was so appropriate.
Beckie in Brentwood, TN

Diane at Crafty Passions said...

LOL!!!
Wow I am still learning and that was a very interesting !
Imagine what it must have been like back then....
Thanks Sally !
Diane

♥ Kathy said...

Wow Sally! That is really cool!

Unknown said...

I like these "expressions" posts, Sally! As an English teacher you know how they fascinate me!

Judi said...

Hi Sally
Interesting information. We get so used to saying these things without even thinking they don't make sense...till we know where they came from.
have a good day
Judi

Patti said...

Love reading these posts, Sally! Very interesting!

Susan B said...

Enjoyed reading this interesting post. Thank you!

Anonymous said...

well you learn something new every day, even while blog hopping!! lol that was refreshing and funny!

thanks ... i'll poke around your site more now...and I also invite you to come visit with me sometime too! ciao, nice to meet you

carmelina

Gwendolen Elaine said...

So interesting!I love reading this kind of info.See you tomorrow!

Cindy said...

Oh my, very interesting. I had severe acne from 9 to 24 years, I guess I should use bee's wax to cover my scars!