Why is a mustard keen?

Question

Why does the simile state " as keen as mustard"?

Answer 1

A company called Keen and Sons (First manufactured in the reign of George 2nd AD 1742) was one of the earliest manufacturers of the condiment. They were taken over by Colman's in 1903, although the brand name persists and mustard is still available under that name.

Mustard was an essential accompaniment to beef. It became associated with vigour and enthusiasm because it added zest and flavour. By the early 20th century, the association was so strong that the word was used like this:

1925 E. Wallace, in 'King by Night': "That fellow is mustard."

People and things weren't just like mustard, they were mustard. The phrase 'hot stuff' comes from the same notion.

Answer 2

Keen is the maufacturer of mustard, not a quality of it. That being said, the simile (which i must admit i've never heard) may be referring to how traditional a thing is or how well-known it is. Some context would help better sort out the intended meaning.

Answer 3

If someone is very enthusiatic, they are as keen as mustard.

-----who is having or showing great excitement and interest -------


to see how it was made .. go to
http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/as-keen-as-mustard.html