Popular Phrases: Origin and Meaning of "As Cute as a Bug's Ear"
To be quite honest, I had never heard the phrase as cute as a bug's ear before Richard made the suggestion. I am familiar with the phrase, as cute as a button, but I have never heard of being as cute as a bug's ear. Though I must admit, I was curious about this phrase. Since I cannot say I have ever actually seen a bug's ear, and I cannot imagine that it would, in any way, be cute, I attempted to find the origin and meaning of this phrase. Unfortunately, I came away nearly empty handed.
The research I have done on the phrase as cute as a bug's ear returned very little. I found it mentioned in several different sources, but none of them were definitive about the origin of the phrase. Many sources suggest that the phrase was derived from the phrase I am familiar with, as cute as a button. However, many mention the phrase as cute as a bug in a rug. This confused me somewhat, I had always though that the phrase was as snug as a bug in a rug.
At least one source suggests that the phrase as cute as a bug's ear originated in Texas in the 1930's. If it truly derived from the phrase as cute as a button, the origin dates back to the 1800's. Most sources were in agreement on its intended usage and meaning. Saying something or someone is as cute as a bug's ear is saying that something is attractive. This phrase is most often used when referring to something small or of small stature.
I apologize to Mr. Meister that I was unable to find the accurate and documented origin of the phrase as cute as a bug's ear. Though, if anyone has any information that they wish to provide me regarding the origin of this phrase, that would be fine as frog hair. (I foresee another article on that one)
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Published by Angela Russell
Angela was born and raised in Middle Tennessee. She married her high school sweetheart and has two teenage children. Angela currently provides bookkeeping and accounting services for nearly one hundred sm... View profile
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9 Comments
Post a CommentWell as a "born and raised" Texan, I can tell you that I am quite familiar with this saying! My coworkers here in Colorado are frequently puzzled by my sayings. While I cannot say what the origin of "cute as a bugs ear" is, I can tell you that I learned it from my grandmother. For the record, some of you may find our Texas sayings confusing or even a little mixed up. Those of us who have grown up in the rural counties of the state think that our sayings are finer than a frog's hair split three ways!!!
I've always considered "cute as a bug's ear" in the same vein as "the bees knees", as a comparison to something inconceivable. In other words, someone or something is just so good or attractive that they defy comparison with anything at all.
I'm very fond of the expression, "She's the Rattlesnake's pajamas!", which as far as I know is original to a Hoagy Carmichael song.
i never knew this is helpful
Mama used to say, "cute as a bug's ear on a popsicle stick." Anyone ever heard of that or do you think she just added the popsicle stick part? If so, Mama was born in 1928 in North Carolina. She had silly nicknames for all 5 of us & all kinds of odd sayings, but the "cute as a bug's ear on a popsicle stick" was my favorite & I use it all the time. I never could figure out where in the world she got these silly sayings. I guess she was truly an original!!!
This mystery is perplexing as a fly's eye.
What about as cute as a bug in a rug?
I was just thinking about doing this same topic series. haha Great minds think alike. Very interesting read!
I have heard the phrase before but have no idea about the origins. Good job though!
Good try, Angela. I've never tried to research this phrase so I had no idea how hard it would be to find information on it. You're one up on me now. I don't ever remember hearing the phrase, "fine as frog hair." Just today someone said something about "cute as a bug in a rug," which I had never heard before, either. "Snug as a bug in a rug" and "cute as button" are both sayings I have heard many times. Thanks for mentioning me. If I think hard enough maybe I can come up with another one.