Beans are a popular food in many countries . From black to red , from kidney to pinto , beans are important in the diet of many cultures . Rich in fiber , protein and nutrients , beans are a healthy , plant-based food . So , spilling the beans at home or in a store would not be good . Food is important and does not belong on the floor . "Spilling the beans " when you communicate with others is also a bad thing . When you spill the beans , you share or make public secret information . You don't mean to do it . The secrets just spill out of you . However , this expression does not come from cooking beans or the fact that we shouldn't waste food . The expression "spill the beans " has been a part of the English language for hundreds of years . Some word historians say the term was first used all the way back in the 1500s . If you think that sounds old , you may be surprised to learn that the origin of “spill the beans ” goes back to ancient Greece . Several websites say this expression comes from one way ancient Greeks voted . Back then in some communities , people voted by dropping a white or black bean into a clay urn . If the container fell on its side or broke , the beans would spill out . And this would show everyone the results of the secret vote before all the beans were counted . While this origin story is interesting , it does not explain why the term "spill the beans " does not appear in common usage until much later . Maybe it is because other expressions with the same meaning were simply more popular . For example , letting the cat out of the bag means the same as spilling the beans . We've explained the meaning of "to let the cat out of the bag " before . But it's always good to hear it again . Americans use the verb "spill " in much the same way . Sometimes we simply say , "Spill it !" When you tell others to "spill it ," you are asking them to tell you all the details about something immediately . This term is very casual and could even sound offensive depending on the situation and expression in your voice . So it's best to use it with close friends , family or when you are joking around . Blab is another word meaning "to spill the beans ." Blab is not the nicest word , however . A man who blabbers keeps talking and talking , as if he can't keep his mouth closed . A blabber mouth is someone who can't keep their mouth shut . Blabber mouths are known for often spilling the beans and for letting more than a few cats out of the bag . They sometimes just talk too much ! Well , I don't want to be accused of being a blabber mouth .