Playing with a full deck

Common  entertainment included playing cards. However, there was a tax levied when purchasing playing cards but only  applicable to the "Ace of Spades." To avoid  paying the tax, people would purchase 51 cards instead. Yet, since most games require 52 cards, these people  were thought to be stupid or dumb because  they weren't "playing with a full deck."  

Mind you own bee's wax, crack a smile, and losing face

Personal  hygiene left much room for improvement. As a result, many women and men had developed acne scars by adulthood. The women would spread bee's wax over their facial skin to smooth out their complexions. When they were speaking to each other, if a woman began to stare at another woman's face she was told, "mind  your own bee's wax." Should the woman smile, the wax would crack, hence the term "crack a smile." In addition, when they sat too close to the fire, the wax would melt... therefore, the expression "losing face."

Big Wig

As  incredible as it sounds, men and women took baths only twice a year (May and October)! Women kept their hair  covered, while men shaved their heads (because of lice and bugs) and wore wigs. Wealthy men  could afford good wigs made from wool. They couldn't wash the wigs, so to clean  them they would carve out a loaf of bread,  put the wig in the shell, and bake it for 30 minutes. The heat would make the wig big and fluffy,  hence the term "big wig." Today we often  use the term "here comes the Big Wig" because someone appears to be or is powerful and wealthy.