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Original poster

How many beans make five?

110 replies

upinaballoon · 09/06/2023 08:01

Just that. How many beans make five? I was taught two answers to the question. I wondered if anyone else had other answers or whether it's not even asked nowadays.

OP posts:
RampantIvy · 09/06/2023 08:02

Two beans and a bean, a bean and a half and half a bean.

tired17 · 09/06/2023 08:03

A bean, a bean and a half, half a bean and 2 beans

Original poster
upinaballoon · 09/06/2023 13:27

One of my Dad's answers was "Two beans, half a bean, a bean and a half, and a bean."

Perhaps no-one's heard the expression/question since 1960.

OP posts:
CaptainMyCaptain · 09/06/2023 13:30

It was always a response to me asking too many questions or a way of saying that you know what's what and won't be fooled. Always said by adults in the 60s, I don't recall ever saying it myself.

Also: How long is a piece of string?

HumphreyCobblers · 09/06/2023 13:41

RampantIvy · 09/06/2023 08:02

Two beans and a bean, a bean and a half and half a bean.

This is my answer too.

DappledOliveGroves · 09/06/2023 13:45

A bean, a bean, a half-a-bean, a half-a-bean, a bean, a bean.

SleepyTraveller · 09/06/2023 13:45

Two beans and a bean, a bean and a half and a half of a bean.

Said in a very specific rhythm

MyFaceIsAnAONB · 09/06/2023 13:46

A bean, a bean, a bean and a half, half a bean and a bean.

MyFaceIsAnAONB · 09/06/2023 13:47

Wow mine is obviously the only right answer. It scans so beautifully. I can’t imagine any of these other replies sounding beany and bouncy! <gavel>

NeverendingCircus · 09/06/2023 13:48

I was taught: two beans, one bean, a bean and a half and half a bean.

Magenta82 · 09/06/2023 13:49

I have never heard this at all!
What does it mean and where is it from?

PixiePirate · 09/06/2023 13:50

Ask Alexa. She actually knows the answer to this one.

I personally think 2 beans, half a bean, a bean and a half and a bean.

PepeParapluie · 09/06/2023 13:54

One bean, two bean, a bean and a half and half a bean is the version I’ve heard!

Peacepudding · 09/06/2023 13:55

What on earth are you all talking about 😂

GrannyAchingsShepherdsHut · 09/06/2023 13:55

A bean, a bean, half a bean, a bean, a bean and a half.

TheYearOfSmallThings · 09/06/2023 13:57

Eh...what are you all on about?

Lilbunnyfufu · 09/06/2023 13:59

No idea never heard it before

Epicstorm · 09/06/2023 14:01

I’ve heard and used this question but never knew there was an answer.

UseOfWeapons · 09/06/2023 14:19

A bean, a bean, a half a bean, a bean, a bean and a half.

EyelessArseFace · 09/06/2023 14:21

A bean and a bean and half a bean, and a half a bean and a bean and a bean.

Shinyandnew1 · 09/06/2023 14:32

Bean, bean, half a bean, bean and a half and a bean!

GeraltsBathtub · 09/06/2023 14:33

I have never heard of any of this before and have no idea what it is about!

minipie · 09/06/2023 14:34

Oh wow! I’ve heard the question - possibly from an old children’s book or song? But never knew it had an answer!!

minipie · 09/06/2023 14:35

Mumsnet is helpfully suggesting other threads about beans 😆 AI has its limits!!

CeliaCanth · 09/06/2023 14:35

I was taught “one and another plus two and a t’other!”