what is the origin of the phrase "ladies first"?

Answer 1

It comes from during the war there were a lot of buried unexploded bombs.

Answer 2

There was an old tale that says that there was a man who loved a woman very much and she also loved him but he was a rich man and of high class but she wasn't, so his parents didn't like the idea of him being with her, although they loved each other very much! So the man decided to comitt suicide and so did the girl and both of them were going to jump from a high place to the sea but they didn't know who will jump first and both of them were argueing about that and the lady told him that she doesn't want him to jump first nor jump with him at the same time, but he told her that he will jump first and so he did but when she saw how dangerous and fearful the jump was, she decided not to jump and she left and lived her life after that. Since that story happened the phrase " Ladies First " was said to let the ladies be the first in everything!

Answer 3

I hate manners like this! It puts you on the spot, and makes me feel guilty. Why should I go first? How is it good manners when I may not want to! It is also un-fair, because most women don't keep to their side of the bargain, when it comes to manners.

The way I see it, if a man is holding doors, letting you go first, paying etc. Then us ladies need to hold up to our side of the bargain, which is to listen intently and not to speak unless asked a direct question, definitely no swearing, getting drunk, wearing trousers, fidgeting, etc. These are just some that would apply to a date, think about manners or etiquette in a marriage!

Basically if I'm not prepared to stick to my side of the deal, the last thing I need is someone making me look bad by doing it!!

Answer 4

This comes from pre-historic times when many predators abounded
Cave-men sent the ladies out first, to make sure the coast was clear..
If they did not come back in they had either got eaten or had run away .
then the caveman went out ,to find the well fed and sleepy wild beast and kill him for the cooking pot .

A bit like bait fishing really

So that is where, the expression "ladies first " originated

Answer 5

ive always thought that, Ladys first is from the time when men were men and women were highly respected in all areas of life, so it was the right thing to let the woman go first, eg walking through the door, maybe ordering food, its a masculene thing,men protect there woman and i feel this is a way to do just that, another theory is when baths and showers wernt around like they are now, the whole family had to share a the same bath and water, so the woman would go 1st then the man then the oldest kid down to the baby, again outting the woman 1st in all aspects of life, i hope this helps

Answer 6

I think the phrase "ladies first" came form the hospitality of the Southern States of United States of America. The southern bell.

Answer 7

Speculation abounds about the origin of this tradition. Some say it began during Victorian times. Others believe it stemmed from men being concerned about assassination attempts and walking behind women when entering or exiting buildings. We don't know if they were using the women as shields, or if they were being chivalrous in fending off rear attacks.

Answer 8

An old fashioned survival technique, allow someone else to pass through a door first in case there is danger on the other side

Answer 9

It's what seperates the men from the boys "Manners maketh the man"
see link

Aslo ladies always should "come" first

Answer 10

Many religions put women first as they are the creators of life. A man can't create life, it needs a woman.

Answer 11

It is called chivalry. A man should allow a woman to pass first out of courtesy.