"plain jane"

Posted by Bob on October 09, 2006

In Reply to: "Plain jane" posted by Alistair on October 09, 2006

: does anyone know where the saying "plain jane" originates from? Is it from Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte?

Two different dictionaries offer first uses, but both in the 20th century. See dictionary.com

• "Plain jane" Smokey Stover 10/October/06
  • "Plain jane" David FG 10/October/06