Are you looking at the most attractive woman in the room? You could call her the ‘Belle of the ball.’ This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The expression ‘Belle of the ball’ means the most attractive woman in the room or at an event. The ‘Belle of the ball’ will have the best physical presentation of herself at the event, and she is often ‘the life of the party.’
Every man at the event wants to be with the ‘Belle of the ball.’ The term is only suitable for describing women and doesn’t apply to men. The ‘Belle of the ball’ could be single or married. Her relationship status doesn’t change the fact she’s the ‘Belle of the ball.
Example Usage
"Kim is the belle of the ball. She looks amazing in that dress, and her makeup is fantastic. I bet she has all the guys fawning over her."
"Look at that girl. She's the belle of the ball. Her looks are breathtaking, her dress is immaculate, and she's the life of the party. Everyone loves her.'
"I feel like the belle of the ball right now. This is such a special night, and I wish it would last forever. Someone pinch me. I must be dreaming."
"You're the belle of the ball, my dear, and everyone has their eyes on you. I'm so happy you decided to choose me as your man."
"Lauren was the belle of the ball at the company Christmas party. She looked fantastic and so different from her regular appearance at work."
"If you want to be the belle of the ball, you will need the right dress, makeup, and attitude to match."
"Never go for the belle of the ball, my guy. She's the focus of every man in the room. Rather work on the other ladies at the event."
"Most guys never talk to the belle of the ball. They assume she['s out of their league, and they don't have a chance with her."
Origin
The expression 'belle of the ball' originates from 1622 and John Fletcher's play 'The Beggars Bush.' The saying appears as follows.
"Vandunke's daughter, The dainty black-ey'd belle."
A ball is a social gathering involving dancing. It originates from the Latin word 'Bella' and the French' bele.' The term 'belle' appeared in English in the 17th century, meaning 'beautiful' or fair.' The definition of a 'Belle' is a woman who is the reigning beauty in the establishment.
The earliest use of the complete phrase 'belle of the ball' is in The New Monthly Magazine, an English journal first published in 1822, where it appears as follows.
"The partner of partners, the belle of the ball."
Phrases Similar to Belle of the Ball
- Attractive woman.
- Hottie.
- Looking good.
Phrases Opposite to Belle of the Ball
- N/A.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Belle of the ball.
Ways People May Say Belle of the Ball Incorrectly
The expression ‘belle of the ball’ has nothing to do with bells or balls. It’s a way of referring to the most attractive woman in the room. It’s important to note that the phrase can apply to any social interaction, not just a ‘ball’ or ‘dance.’
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Belle of the Ball
You can use the expression ‘belle of the ball’ to describe the most attractive woman in the room or at an event. The term describes women of all ages, from small children at beauty pageants to rooms of old ladies. You’ll use it with friends when discussing the woman you find attractive at an event. Or you could say it directly to your object of affection to get their attention.
The ‘belle of the ball’ is a fairly old-fashioned phrase. It’s more common to hear people from the baby boomer generation using this term. The expression applies to social situations and events, and you can use it in verbal exchanges or text communications.