mind your own beeswax

English

Etymology

Alteration of mind your own business. From the use of beeswax to cover blemishes in the 1800s.

Pronunciation

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Phrase

mind your own beeswax

1. Synonym of mind your own business
   • 1930 June 29, Lincoln Star (1930-06-29)‎^[1]:

     Get back in the collar, and mind your own beeswax.

   • 1939, Philip Barry, The Philadelphia Story: A Comedy in Three Acts, page 74:

     TRACY. (Rises) Mind your own beeswax, old Nosey Parker.

   • 1950, Beverly Cleary, Henry Huggins, page 128:

     “Say, how did he get all pink?”
     “Aw, mind your own beeswax,” said Henry.

   • 1995, Sue Grafton, L Is for Lawless, page 155:

     “This has nothing to do with you, Kinsey, so mind your own beeswax.”

See also

• none of your beeswax