What does the expression, "the birds and the bees" mean?

Answer 1

The expression 'the birds & the bees'is an euphemism for 'having sex' or needing sex education.

The origin:--Cole Porter's, "Let's Do It"

"Birds do it, bees do it,
Even educated fleas do it,
Let's do it, let's fall in love"

It reminds me of the immortal lines of Lord Byron ( in his 'Emma' );

" Cats do it; dogs do it;
Mama does it & Monkeys have a try
Why not I?"

Source: Phrase Finder.

Answer 2

It is, as the others have rightly pointed out, a euphemism for sex, especially in the context of a parent or guardian explaining the mechanism to their wards.

Apparently, parents have always felt awkward talking to their children about sex, though I don't think primitive cultures had a such a problem.

Modern day parents, though, are so awkward that they can't even get themselves to say the word "sex" so they call it "the birds and the bees", apparently referring to the natural way to reproduce, the way birds do it (but not necessarily bees, actually, since only the Queen and drones reproduce and drones are left to starve after they have impregnated the Queen).

A search for the origin of the phrase yields an interesting result - no one knows for sure. The theory that makes sense to me is the one put forth by William and Mary Morris, who indicate that the phrase may have been inspired by the poet Samuel Coleridge: "All nature seems at work ... The bees are stirring--birds are on the wing ... and I the while, the sole unbusy thing, not honey make, nor pair, nor build, nor sing."

Interesting question.

Answer 3

it means you can get two things done at once. For example, if you need to go to two stores, but you dont need to go to both yet, you can 'kill 2 birds with 1 stone' and go to both stores, so you dont have to go to the other one later. Bad example. lol

Answer 4

It's a euphemism for the facts about sex and reproduction.

Answer 5

sexual love - used by parents to explain sex to youngsters

Answer 6

Sex