A strange idea or notion; also, an idea that is harped on, an obsession. For example, Bill’s got a bee in his bonnet about burglars; he’s always imagining strange noises.
Okay–think about “bonnet.” Head covering for women in the “olden days.” Tied on, under the chin, deep enough to prevent the sun from ruining complexions.
Now, if you had a bee in there, you’d be slappin’ yosef and hollerin’, wouldn’t ya?
Now, bring the olden days forward to the beginning of the 20th century. The ‘bee’ is indeed an idea. The ‘bonnet’ represents the traditional female role in society. For a woman to have a strong opinion or idea in her head was a troublesome as her having a bee in her bonnet. You know, pesky things like wanting to vote, divorce nasty husbands, own their own property, inherit property, etc. Those ideas were “bees in the bonnets” of women who were labeled troublemakers by the men who were in power and didn’t want to share. Shoulda sicced Barney on them…
A strange idea or notion; also, an idea that is harped on, an obsession. For example, Bill’s got a bee in his bonnet about burglars; he’s always imagining strange noises.
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to have a strange idea that you seem to be obsessed with.
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Okay–think about “bonnet.” Head covering for women in the “olden days.” Tied on, under the chin, deep enough to prevent the sun from ruining complexions.
Now, if you had a bee in there, you’d be slappin’ yosef and hollerin’, wouldn’t ya?
Now, bring the olden days forward to the beginning of the 20th century. The ‘bee’ is indeed an idea. The ‘bonnet’ represents the traditional female role in society. For a woman to have a strong opinion or idea in her head was a troublesome as her having a bee in her bonnet. You know, pesky things like wanting to vote, divorce nasty husbands, own their own property, inherit property, etc. Those ideas were “bees in the bonnets” of women who were labeled troublemakers by the men who were in power and didn’t want to share. Shoulda sicced Barney on them…
You may quote me.
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