News Bee
In Appalachian speech, a "news bee" is the local name for a hover fly, often the Virginia flower fly (Milesia virginiensis). It looks like a hornet or bee but is harmless, hovering in place as if delivering a message.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
A 'news bee' will just fly right up to you and stare. That's all I've never known them to be called around here. Hillbilly Dude Says...
A 'news bee' will just fly right up to you and stare. That's all I've never known them to be called around here. Pronunciation
[NOOZ bee]
Meaning & Usage
- Hover fly (not a true bee) (noun)
Mae:
Earl:
Harmless little thing, just buzzin’ in place.
Harmless little thing, just buzzin’ in place.variations: hover fly, Virginia flower fly, flower fly, good-news bee, bad-news bee, news wasp (mistaken)
★ Though it looks fierce, a news bee won’t sting or bite. It hovers and zips but is harmless. ★
Origin and Etymology
The name "news bee" comes from Appalachian folk belief that the insect brought messages or omens. Scientifically, it’s a hover fly, not a bee. The species is often *Milesia virginiensis*, common across the eastern U.S.
Usage Notes
Still a well-known mountain term. Many locals call them "news bees" whether or not they know the folklore - the name stuck because of how the insect hovers close, as if bringing news.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it plain: "news bee." Two quick beats.
Kin Topics
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How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, August 25). News Bee. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/news-bee
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "News Bee." HillbillySlang.com, 25 Aug. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/news-bee.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "News Bee." HillbillySlang.com. August 25, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/news-bee.
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