There’s no accounting for taste (or there’s no accounting for tastes) means that an individual’s likes, dislikes, or preferences defy logical explanation. It is used to express that it is impossible to understand why people like certain things and dislike others.
Grammar & Variation Note: Singular vs. Plural
While both forms are grammatically correct, “there’s no accounting for taste” (singular) is by far the most common phrasing in modern English. You will occasionally hear the plural version (“there’s no accounting for tastes”), particularly in formal or older texts, but modern speakers almost exclusively use the singular form.
- Common Short Form: People frequently drop the opening “there’s” altogether, simply declaring: “Well, no accounting for taste!”
Origin & Etymology: “De Gustibus Non Est Disputandum”
This idiom has ancient roots and is a direct translation of the famous Latin maxim:
De gustibus non est disputandum
(Literally: “About tastes there is no disputing.”)
Understanding the Sense of “Account For”
In this phrase, the verb to account for does not refer to financial accounting or keeping track of numbers. Instead, it uses the older definition meaning to explain, justify, or identify the cause or reason for something.
- To say there is “no accounting for” something literally means there is no explanation for it; it cannot be rationally calculated, justified, or explained.
When paired with personal preferences, the phrase emphasizes that human taste operates outside of logic: you cannot analyze or explain why someone prefers one thing over another.
Historical Timeline
- Mid-1600s: The Latin phrase de gustibus non est disputandum became widely cited in English literature and scholastic debates to signal that personal aesthetic preferences cannot be proven right or wrong.
- 1790s: The modern English translation began appearing regularly in print. One of the earliest recorded English uses appears in 1794 in Philip Freneau’s writings: “There is no accounting for tastes.”
- 20th Century: The singular form (“taste”) gradually overtook the plural to become the dominant standard expression.
Examples Of Use
“My neighbor just brought home a bright yellow sports car. There’s no accounting for tastes.”
“I can’t believe Sharon is dating that guy,” said Vicky. “He’s so arrogant and boorish.” “There’s just no accounting for taste,” said Ryan.
“What is caviar?” asked Billy. “Caviar is fish eggs,” said Mom. “People eat fish eggs? Yuck!” “Well there’s no accounting for tastes,” said Mom.
Similar and Related Idioms
- To Each Their Own: Everyone has a right to their own personal preferences and choices.
- Different Strokes for Different Folks: Different people are satisfied or pleased by different things.
- One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure: What one person considers worthless may be treasured by someone else.
- One Man’s Meat is Another Man’s Poison: Something that one person enjoys or finds beneficial may be harmful or distasteful to another.
- Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder: Perception of beauty or quality is entirely subjective.
- It Takes All Kinds (to Make a World): Acknowledges that the world is full of diverse people with different behaviors and tastes.
- Whatever Floats Your Boat: Whatever brings you enjoyment or satisfaction, regardless of what others think.
- You Do You: Focus on living the way you want and doing things the way you prefer without worrying about the judgment of others.
- A Matter of Taste: A subject or choice that depends entirely on personal preference rather than objective facts.