It is impossible to explain why different people like different things (especially things that do not appeal to the speaker). Also now in the form there is no accounting for taste. The saying is a version of the Latin tag de gustibus non est disputandum, there is no disputing about tastes. Cf. [1599 J. Minsheu Dialogues in Spanish 6] Against ones liking there is no disputing.
I have often thought the people he disapproved were much more agreeable than those he admired;—but there is no accounting for tastes.
[1794 A. Radcliffe Mysteries of Udolpho I. xi.]
There is no accounting for tastes. Sidney‥not once‥congratulated himself on his good fortune.
[1889 Gissing Nether World II. viii.]
‘You're usually in here with a little guy, wears a rug. Looks like he gets his suits from Sears. Paisley ties. ‥There's no accounting for taste.’
[1985 R. Reeves Doubting Thomas iv.]
Related to: idiosyncrasy; taste
Bibliography of major proverb collections and works cited from modern editions is available here.
