Spelling bee. Why "bee"?

Question

Why the word "bee" has been added?

Spelling bee competitions aren't written?

Thanks!

Such an excellent question. I always love to learn the etymology of a word...especially of a word from my own language. - webdunce, Dec 18, 2010

Answer 1

From Wikipedia:

Historically the word bee has been used to describe a get-together where a specific action is being carried out, like a husking bee, a quilting bee, or an apple bee. Its etymology is unclear but possibly derived from the Old English word b?n for prayer.[2]

From www.etymonline.com:

Sense of "meeting of neighbors to unite their labor for the benefit of one of their number," 1769, Amer.Eng., is from comparison to the social activity of the insect; this was extended to other senses (e.g. spelling bee, first attested 1809).

From Collins dictionary:

1. a social gathering for a specific purpose, as to carry out a communal task or hold competitions: quilting bee

[C18: perhaps from dialect bean neighbourly help, from Old English b?n boon]

Thanks lazarus - AntMexico, Dec 18, 2010

Answer 2

A 'bee' can also mean a get-together or meeting for some purpose. This is from Wikipedia:

Historically the word bee has been used to describe a get-together where a specific action is being carried out, like a husking bee, a quilting bee, or an apple bee. Its etymology is unclear but possibly derived from the Old English word b?n for prayer.[2]

Thanks Kevin! - AntMexico, Dec 18, 2010

Answer 3

So Concurso oral de ortografía would be a fitable translation into Spanish? What do you suggest?

Yes, that's it. - KevinB, Dec 18, 2010

Answer 4

Forget about the "bee" part and just remember that "spelling bee" is an oral event where people get together as a contest to see how can spell best, you will be unlikely to ever encounter another instance of the word bee used like that. Very unusual usage to say "apple bee" or "husking bee".

I'd never heard of those 'bees' before. Just spelling, quilting, and sewing. - KevinB, Dec 18, 2010

Answer 5

I love your questions Antoine! The participants in a Spelling Bee are always required to speak the correct (hopefully) spellings of the given words. I have never seen or heard of one where the correct spellings are written.

Answer 6

"Bee" is also a word for a type of social event...they aren't nearly as common now as they used to be in American history. According to my knowledge, there used to be quilting bees, sewing bees, etc.

To my knowledge, spelling bees are almost always oral competitions!

Hope this helps!

Thanks Mrs. Santa Claus! - AntMexico, Dec 18, 2010

Answer 7

And what's a husking bee and an apple bee?

A husking bee would be held to husk corn. - mapletw, Dec 18, 2010

Husking bee is to remove the husks from corn. An apple bee is to make apple juice. Many of these things were originally farmers helping each other with chores. - KevinB, Dec 18, 2010

Answer 8

I'd say that "Concurso oral de ortografía" describes it pretty well. It's a contest of oral spelling.

Answer 9

Wow, you gentlemen are F A S T! :D