Birds and bees

Posted by ESC on December 16, 2000

In Reply to: Origin and/or Meaning posted by Beth on December 16, 2000

: The Birds and the Bees

"The birds and bees" means sex. It usually refers to explaining the phenomenon to a child in general terms (bees pollinating flowers; birds building nests and laying eggs) without actually talking about human intercourse. Birds and bees is a really common phrase. But I've not been able to the origin and/or first use in any reference books. Anyone have more information?