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."
Well, I just learn something new everyday. Thanks so much for the lesson. Have a great weekend, Sally!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting!
ReplyDeleteThat is something else!
ReplyDeleteThanks 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.
Sally that was so much fun to read... Thanks I love stuff like this. Have a super day!!!
ReplyDeleteHeard it is still cold there...
(((HUGS)))
Donna
Tat phrase, you never get too old to learn, sure fit your blog today. I enjoyed hearing how some of the comments were started.
ReplyDeleteI love reading from where the expressions we use originated.
ReplyDeleteThese are GREAT, Sally...keep 'em coming!
ReplyDeleteI love this type of trivia! Thanks for sharing it with us. :)
ReplyDeleteI can sure identify with the "crack" part ... trouble is, I've there's no wax on my face on which to place blame!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting, Sally!...Christine
ReplyDeleteThanks for the lesson. I tried not to crack a smile, but it just was so appropriate.
ReplyDeleteBeckie in Brentwood, TN
LOL!!!
ReplyDeleteWow I am still learning and that was a very interesting !
Imagine what it must have been like back then....
Thanks Sally !
Diane
Wow Sally! That is really cool!
ReplyDeleteI like these "expressions" posts, Sally! As an English teacher you know how they fascinate me!
ReplyDeleteHi Sally
ReplyDeleteInteresting 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
Love reading these posts, Sally! Very interesting!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed reading this interesting post. Thank you!
ReplyDeletewell you learn something new every day, even while blog hopping!! lol that was refreshing and funny!
ReplyDeletethanks ... 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
So interesting!I love reading this kind of info.See you tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteOh my, very interesting. I had severe acne from 9 to 24 years, I guess I should use bee's wax to cover my scars!
ReplyDelete