What do people mean by the birds and the bees? why do they use that phrase?
2006-12-06 10:44:43 · 14 answers · asked by LooK iM sO wHiTe 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Quotations
It is a common euphemism for Sex
2006-12-06 10:46:38 · answer #1 · answered by Clarkie 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"The birds and the bees" (sometimes expanded to "the birds, the bees and the butterflies" or "the birds, the bees, the flowers, and the trees") is a commonly used phrase (which has become somewhat of a cliché) which refers to clumsy or inept attempts at sex education for children or adolescents, such as the use of euphemisms or symbols to describe sexual behaviour or body parts. A discussion about "the birds and the bees" may therefore involve references to nature (ie. animals and plants) without actually describing human biology or providing any useful insight.
The phrase is said to have its origins in a folk tale, whose exact source is unknown, that reportedly became popular in Southern Africa (probably Namibia) around the turn of the last century. It tells the story of a colony of bee-eater (Merops pusillus) birds laying their eggs after a meal of honeybees.
The phrase was also part of a hit song in the early 1960s.
2006-12-06 20:07:05 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If I had to take a shot in the dark I think it is a "safe" and non threatening way to tell children about sex. Its my understanding that parents would start to tell their children that all living things "reproduce" and then go on to explain how bees transfer pollen from flower to flower, and that helped the flowers have "baby" flowers, etc. However, the birds, "made babies" in an entirely different way, much like all the other animals on earth, including humans. But by using examples of birds and bees it is less threatening to children then coming right out and having a frank discussion about sex. I might be totally off base with this one, but for what its worth =).
2006-12-06 18:51:10 · answer #3 · answered by jordan 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"The birds and the bees" (sometimes expanded to "the birds, the bees and the butterflies" or "the birds, the bees, the flowers, and the trees") is a commonly used phrase (which has become somewhat of a cliché) which refers to clumsy or inept attempts at sex education for children or adolescents, such as the use of euphemisms or symbols to describe sexual behaviour or body parts. A discussion about "the birds and the bees" may therefore involve references to nature (ie. animals and plants) without actually describing human biology or providing any useful insight.
The phrase is said to have its origins in a folk tale, whose exact source is unknown, that reportedly became popular in Southern Africa (probably Namibia) around the turn of the last century. It tells the story of a colony of bee-eater (Merops pusillus) birds laying their eggs after a meal of honeybees.
2006-12-06 18:47:59 · answer #4 · answered by Rainman 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Birds and the bees is when parents try to talk to children about sex. I think it's because sex is a part of life just like nature
2006-12-06 19:41:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
The girls(birds) and the guys(bees). Ask your parents.
2006-12-06 18:46:29 · answer #6 · answered by udontknowme!!!!! 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i have heard it explained that the two sexes are as opposite and different as the birds and the bees
2006-12-06 18:48:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
A different way of talking about sex and such. It sounds better saying it that way to some people.
2006-12-06 18:46:21 · answer #8 · answered by tia 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Replication of the species, plain & simple.
2006-12-06 18:52:37 · answer #9 · answered by just visiting 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
like you know, nature. as in the nature of things, like the human nature to reproduce...
2006-12-06 18:46:53 · answer #10 · answered by stephanie f 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋