🌱 Doesn’t Know Beans: Seeds of Ignorance 🌱
Origin & Definition
To “not know beans” about something means to be wholly ignorant or uninformed about a particular subject. The phrase first surfaced in the early 19th century, back when beans symbolized something trivial or worthless. Ironically, from the mid-1800s to early 1900s, “to know beans” indicated someone was quite knowledgeable, although this usage has since vanished like last season’s crop.
Humorous Quote
“Don’t ask Harry’s advice; he doesn’t know beans about cars.” — [Unknow Beans-ional Expert]
Similar Expressions
- Not know one’s ass from one’s elbow: A more explicit and ruder variant starting around 1900, indicating sheer stupidity.
- Couldn’t care less: Shows an utter lack of interest or concern.
- Dumb as a box of rocks: Emphasizes utter lack of intelligence or awareness.
- Not have a clue: Highlighting someone’s utter ignorance or unfamiliarity with a matter.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms:
- Clueless
- Ignorant
- Oblivious
Antonyms:
- Knowledgeable
- Informed
- Educated
Intriguing Proverbs & Sayings
- Don’t count your chickens before they hatch: Precaution about making premature assumptions.
- Empty barrels make the most noise: Often those who know the least speak the most.
Literature and References
Books:
- “Idioms for Idiots” by I. M. Literat - A humorous guide through language intricacies.
- “The Complete Book of Clichés” by H. Art - Everything you need to know about tired tropes.
Songs:
- “Dumber Than a Bag of Hammers” by The Idiot Band - a humorous indie tune on cluelessness.
- “Needs to Grow Up” by The Bean Counters - A snarky song about being none the wiser.
Poetry:
- “Ode to Oblivion” by M. U. Seless - A funny reflection on human ignorance.
Movies:
- “Dumb and Dumber” - A comedic exploration of the delightfully dense.
- “Clueless” - A quirky take on ignorance dressed in 90s fashion.
Quizzes
### What does "not knowing beans" mean?
- [x] To be wholly ignorant or uninformed
- [ ] To be quite knowledgeable
- [ ] To care deeply about something
- [ ] To deceive someone
> **Explanation:** "Not knowing beans" means being totally ignorant or uninformed about a specific topic.
### What similar phrase means 'to be extremely ignorant or incompetent'?
- [ ] On cloud nine
- [x] Not know one's ass from one's elbow
- [ ] Break a leg
- [ ] Under the weather
> **Explanation:** "Not know one's ass from one's elbow" is a vulgar way to indicate someone is extremely ignorant or incompetent.
### Is "doesn't know beans about..." still in common usage today?
- [x] Yes
- [ ] No
> **Explanation:** Despite being coined in the 19th century, "doesn't know beans about…" continues to be a colorful expression for ignorance today.
### True or False: "To know beans" was once a positive phrase.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True! "To know beans" once meant being knowledgeable, a usage which has unfortunately withered away over time.
### Which of these is not a synonym for ignorance?
- [ ] Clueless
- [ ] Oblivious
- [ ] Incognizant
- [x] Educated
> **Explanation:** While "clueless," "oblivious," and "incognizant" all denote ignorance, "educated" implies having knowledge.
“In the end, ignorance well examined is just an unopened book waiting for a curious reader.” - I. DeKnowlage
