I want to know where the expression "Spelling Bee" comes from? As far as my early education in England. "Spelling" was a "Spelling test",never come across "Spelling Bee" until my 20's (1970's) then it was mentioned occasionally on TV (An Americanism ?)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,

Bedstor. take a look at this,
http://www.spellingbee.com/terminology2.htm

Nice find, Jenny. I never would have thought it first appeared as early as 1875. It seem like a term that's much more current than that.