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According to the Mavens' Word of the Day, the phrase "spill it" was used as early as 1574 to mean "divulge, let out." But that establishes only half the saying. So where do the beans come in? The first usage of "spill the beans" dates to 1919 in a book called "The Man From Tall Timber" by Thomas K. Holmes: "Mother certainly has spilled the beans!" Folk etymology holds that the phrase comes from secret societies in ancient Greece. Members would vote on applicants by placing white (for yes) or black (for no) beans into a vessel. If the vessel were to spill or get knocked over on purpose, the secret vote would be revealed. The Maven contends that it's a neat story, but not likely to be true, since the saying is
American and only dates back to the early twentieth century. Spilling the beans is generally considered to be a negative action that ruins a secret or plan, but the phrase has inspired a popular board game. Butterfingers should steer clear.
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