The saying “the bee's knees” was coined in the 1920s by an American cartoonist named Tad Dorgan. It was part of a trend during that time to come up with exaggerated expressions to describe something as being exceptional or outstanding. Dorgan, known for his quirky and inventive language, also came up with other phrases like “the cat's pajamas” and “the flea's eyebrows.”
The phrase “the bee's knees” quickly gained popularity and became a commonly used expression in the 1920s. It was often used to describe something or someone as being the best, the highest quality, or simply fantastic. People would say things like “That new jazz band is the bee's knees!” or “Her performance in the play was the bee's knees!”
During the 1920s, there was a cultural shift happening in America. It was a time of economic prosperity, social change, and the rise of the Jazz Age. This period was characterized by a sense of liberation, rebellion against traditional values, and a desire for novelty and excitement. The language of the time reflected this spirit, and phrases like “the bee's knees” were a part of the vibrant slang that emerged during this era.
As an expert sommelier and brewer, I don't have a personal experience with using the phrase “the bee's knees” in the 1920s, as I wasn't alive at that time. However, I can appreciate the creativity and playfulness of the language used during that era. It's fascinating how certain expressions become popular and ingrained in the culture, even if their origins might seem random or nonsensical.
“the bee's knees” was a saying that emerged in the 1920s and was popularized by Tad Dorgan, an American cartoonist. It was part of a trend of using exaggerated expressions to describe something as exceptional or outstanding. The phrase captured the spirit of the Jazz Age and the cultural shift happening in America during that time. While its exact origins may be unknown, “the bee's knees” remains a quirky and enduring part of the English language.