The phrase "age before beauty" is a polite expression used to defer to an older person, especially when offering a courtesy like going through a door first.
Essentially, it's a lighthearted and somewhat antiquated way of acknowledging and respecting someone's age. The implication is that youth possesses its own inherent advantages (beauty), while age deserves deference. The phrase originated in the mid-1800s as a form of etiquette. It's a gentle reminder of the respect due to elders.
In modern usage, the phrase can sometimes be interpreted sarcastically, but it generally maintains its original intention of showing politeness and consideration towards older individuals. It's a social convention, a small gesture of respect rooted in a time when social hierarchies and etiquette were more strictly observed.
