know beans about: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "know beans about" is common in American English and is used to indicate a lack of knowledge or understanding about a subject. This phrase dates back to at least the 19th century, and its origin is believed to be rooted in rural America where beans were a staple food.

When someone says "I don't know beans about [something]," they are essentially admitting their lack of knowledge or expertise on the subject. This idiom can be used in various contexts, such as in conversations about sports, politics, technology, or any other topic where someone may feel uninformed.

In a self-deprecating manner, someone might say, "I don't know beans about fashion, but I know what I like." This conveys the speaker's acknowledgment of their lack of expertise while still expressing their personal preference or opinion.

While the exact origin of the idiom is unclear, it is widely used in certain regions of the United States and is often found in informal or colloquial speech.

Unlike "know one's shit," "know from a bar of soap," "know one's ass from a hole in the ground," and "know someone from a can of paint," the idiom "know beans about" does not carry any vulgar or offensive connotations.

However, it is worth noting that the idiom "know beans about" is not widely used outside of the United States. Non-native English speakers may not be familiar with its meaning, and its usage is primarily limited to American English.

The idiom "know one's shit" is a vulgar expression used to indicate that someone is extremely knowledgeable about a subject. This idiom implies that the person has a deep understanding and expertise in a particular area. While it is similar to "know beans about" in terms of conveys a level of knowledge, the tone and context of "know one's shit" is much stronger and can be offensive if used inappropriately.

On the other hand, "know from a bar of soap" is a casual idiom used to express a complete lack of knowledge or understanding about something. The phrase is often used in a rhetorical question, such as "Do you think I know from a bar of soap?" This idiom emphasizes the idea that the speaker has absolutely no knowledge or awareness of the subject matter.

Similarly, "know one's ass from a hole in the ground" is a crude idiom that conveys a total lack of knowledge or understanding. This phrase is typically used to insult or belittle someone's intelligence or competence. While it shares the theme of ignorance with "know beans about," the context and tone of "know one's ass from a hole in the ground" are much harsher.

Lastly, "know someone from a can of paint" is an idiomatic expression that suggests a complete lack of familiarity or recognition of someone. The phrase implies that the speaker cannot distinguish between individuals and has no knowledge or understanding of who they are. This idiom shares the concept of not knowing with "know beans about," but focuses specifically on recognizing or identifying individuals rather than general subject matter.

The idiom "know beans about" is a colorful and expressive way to convey a lack of knowledge or understanding about a certain topic. Its usage reflects the American cultural context in which beans were a basic food, emphasizing the idea of lacking even the most basic knowledge. While it is not widely used outside of the United States, it continues to be a common and relatable idiom in American English.