Why is a spelling competition called a "Spelling Bee"?
I dont get it......
2006-12-30 05:41:12 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
The earliest evidence of the phrase spelling bee in print dates back to 1825, although the contests had apparently been held before that year.[citation needed] (The etymology of the word "bee" in this sense is unclear. Historically, it has described a social congregation where a specific action is being carried out, like a husking bee, or an apple bee.) A key impetus for the contests was Noah Webster's spelling books. First published in 1786 and known colloquially as "The Blue-backed Speller", Webster's spelling books were an essential part of the curriculum of all elementary school children in the United States for five generations.
2006-12-30 05:53:14 · answer #1 · answered by Jessica A 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
one definition of "bee" is:
a community social gathering in order to perform some task, engage in a contest, etc.: a sewing bee; a spelling bee; a husking bee.
god bless
2006-12-30 08:57:08 · answer #2 · answered by happy pilgrim 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Is it not called a spelling beat? I have heard of it but not sure
2006-12-30 05:50:19 · answer #3 · answered by clairelou_lane 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋