Insect Idioms
Insect Idioms
Idioms are common expressions with figurative or non-literal meanings. Surprisingly, there are a great number of insect-related idioms and in today’s blog, we explore some of the most common ones, their meanings, and their origins. 
“The Bees Knees”
Meaning – an excellent thing, something of extremely high quality Origin – The first reference of this phrase dates back to the 18th century at which time it was used to express the exact opposite of what it does today. By the 1920’s the term transformed from referring to something insignificant, to its meaning today.
“A Social Butterfly”
Meaning – someone who is very social and friendly Origin – This term has changed over time rather significantly. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the first notice of the phrase being used was in 1837 in which the quote suggested that “social butterflies” are people of little consequence and subject to ridicule. This derogatory version of the term soon morphed into a more neutral meaning, referring to someone who quickly moves from one social gathering to another just as butterflies move from flower to flower to suckle at nectar. The term made a final transition in recent decades morphing into the positive phrase it is today.
“Ants in Your Pants”
Meaning – a state of being restless, excited, or nervous, often coupled with constant movement Origin – While an approximate date of the inception of this phrase is unknown, it gained popularity in the 1930s. It is widely believed that the reason behind the term is simply that a person would be jittery if these little insects had made their way into the individual’s pants.
“Snug as a Bug in a Rug”
Meaning – very comfortable Origin – In a 1969 play staged by Shakespearean Actor David Garrick this phrase first appeared in print: “If she has the mopus’s (18th century slang for money), I’ll have her, as snug as a bug in a rug.” The use of this in the play suggests that it was already part of contemporary vernacular. The term “snug” itself has a nautical origin from the 16th century in which it was used to describe compact and neat parts of ships that made them safe and prepared to survive storms.
“Dropping Like Flies”
Meaning – dying or being removed from a situation in large numbers Origin – The use of this idiom comes from the short life spans of flies and that they can often be found lying dead in groups near areas that attract them such as windowsills, garbage bins, etc. The first recorded use of the term in print was in May of 1902 in The Atlanta Constitution.
“Mind Your Own Beeswax”
Meaning – do not interfere with someone else’s business Origin – This idiom has a bit of a dark origin in the 18th century stemming from the widespread outbreak of smallpox. Those who survived the disease were left with deep divots and scars in their skin which were rather unsightly. In response to these physical deformities, people would use beeswax to fill in the recessed cavities of their skin, then cover their face with makeup in an attempt to make the skin look uniform. Unfortunately, this did not work well in warm weather as the beeswax would begin to melt, revealing the uneven skin beneath. The phrase began to be used when people would stare at someone whose beeswax was melting, telling them not to pay mind to their melting beeswax and to, instead, mind their own.
“Busy as a Bee”
Meaning – very busy Origin – This term derives from the fact that honeybees are incredibly hardworking creatures, which has been recognized by people for centuries. The first uses of the phrase date back to at least the 1300s. One of the first uses can even be found in famed author Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales published in the late 14th century, which read, “In omen been! For ay as bisy as bees.”
“A Fly on the Wall”
Meaning – someone who remains quiet and unnoticed while observing situations Origin – This phrase is fairly self-explanatory as a single fly sitting on a wall is typically overlooked. One of the first appearances of this phrase was in 1921 in The Oakland Tribune which stated, “I’d just love to be a fly on the wall when the Right Man comes along.”
“Make a Beeline For…”
Meaning – to move directly towards a destination Origin – This idiom comes from the amazing communication and navigation skills of honeybees. Bees engage in a form of communication called the “waggle dance.” This series of movements conveys a drastic amount of information to other colony members with specific directions to a location. After observing the dance of a fellow bee, other honeybees will take flight, heading directly to the location that was relayed to them… hence: making a beeline.
“Sleep Tight. Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite.”
Meaning – sleep well Origin – Historically, bed bugs have been a major problem leading to the inception of this phrase. However, in more recent decades, the idiom doesn’t hold as much meaning and many people have even wondered if bed bugs even existed as they were rarely talked about. This is due to the fact that they nearly didn’t exist anymore. By the beginning of the 1950’s, bed bugs were nearly wiped out due to the use of an extremely powerful pesticide known as Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloro-Ethane (DDT). The effectivity of DDT was heightened by its ability to not only kill adult bed bugs, but destroy their eggs as well, thereby wiping out an entire population of bed bugs in only 1-2 treatments. However, DDT was soon “eradicated” itself in 1972 when it was banned due to its extremely malignant effects on the environment and to anyone who was exposed to the potent, synthetic chemical. The removal of this treatment from circulation, while positive in all other aspects, did allow the remaining bed bugs to grow in numbers once again. Today, bed bug problems have become far more prevalent with one fifth of Americans either knowing someone who has dealt with bedbugs or has had a bedbug invasion in their own home.
Citation
Ants in pants (no date) The Idioms. Available at: https://www.theidioms.com/ants-in-pants/ (Accessed: October 25, 2021). As busy as a bee (no date) The Idioms. Available at: https://www.theidioms.com/as-busy-as-a-bee/ (Accessed: October 25, 2021). Drop like flies (no date) The Idioms. Available at: https://www.theidioms.com/drop-like-flies/ (Accessed: October 25, 2021). Martin, G. (no date) ‘fly on the wall’ – the meaning and origin of this phrase, Phrasefinder. Available at: https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/139600.html (Accessed: October 25, 2021). Mind your own beeswax (no date) The Idioms. Available at: https://www.theidioms.com/mind-your-own-beeswax/ (Accessed: October 25, 2021). Green, H. (2016) 7 Things You Should Know About Bed Bugs, YouTube. SciShow. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFk0t9DHu1Q Honeybees Can Teach Us About Democracy (2012) YouTube. SciShow. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abk-advcClw&list=PLB3FCEEAC84884760&index=51 (Accessed: May 2020). The origin of ‘snug as a bug in a rug’ (no date) Merriam-Webster. Available at: https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/origin-history-of-snug-as-a-bug-in-a-rug (Accessed: October 25, 2021). What is the origin of the phrase “The Bee’s Knees?” (no date) Lexico Dictionaries | English. Lexico Dictionaries. Available at: https://www.lexico.com/explore/what-is-the-origin-of-the-phrase-the-bee-s-knees (Accessed: October 25, 2021).
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