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You may have frequently heard people using the term Ps and Qs during English conversation, but what does this saying mean and where did it first come from? We are going to look at the answers to both of these questions as well as looking at some examples of the phrase in use.
“Ps and Qs” Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- The phrase “Ps and Qs” is short for “mind your Ps and Qs”, which means to be careful about your behavior, manners, or speech. It’s a reminder to pay attention to details, particularly in social situations, and to act politely and respectfully.
“Ps and Qs” Meaning
The phrase “Ps and Qs” refers to being mindful of one’s behavior, manners, and etiquette, particularly in social situations. It is often used to remind someone to be polite or to watch their language and actions.
Examples:
- “At the formal dinner, remember to mind your Ps and Qs.”
- “You need to watch your Ps and Qs when meeting new clients.”
Origin of This English Idiom
The phrase Ps and Qs finds its origins in the 17th century in British pubs when the landlords would use it to remind the patrons to be polite and courteous by saying ‘mind your Ps and Qs.’
Usage of “Ps and Qs”
- In a formal setting:
“When attending the dinner party, be sure to mind your Ps and Qs.”
- In a workplace context:
“The boss will be there, so remember to mind your Ps and Qs during the meeting.”
- Giving advice to children:
“When we go to Grandma’s house, make sure to mind your Ps and Qs and say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.”
- In a social situation:
“It’s important to mind your Ps and Qs when meeting new people to make a good first impression.”
Related Terms to “Ps and Qs”
- Mind your manners – a reminder to be polite and behave appropriately.
- Watch your language – a phrase suggesting that one should be careful about what they say.
- Etiquette – the customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession.
- Good manners – socially acceptable behavior that shows respect for others.
- Politeness – showing consideration and respect for others in behavior and speech.
- Social graces – the skills required for polite and respectful interaction with others.
- Courteous behavior – actions that demonstrate respect and consideration for others.
- Decorum – behavior that conforms to accepted standards of morality or respectability.
- Civility – formal politeness and courtesy in behavior or speech.
- Protocol – the official procedure or system of rules governing affairs of state or diplomatic occasions, often related to etiquette.
Other Ways to Say the Idiom
There are other ways in which you might say the term Ps and Qs using different wording.
Here are some examples of other things you might say which carry the same meaning,
- Watch your manners
- Be polite!
Ps and Qs Examples
Examples in Statements
We are now going to look at some sentences which feature the phrase Ps and Qs in order to better understand how it works.
The first sentence is from a piece of writing.
- The mother sent her children to school and reminded them to watch their Ps and Qs.
The second statement is being made by an older sister to her younger sibling.
- Make sure you are nice to the shop keeper and mind your Ps and Qs.
Conversation Examples
If you would like to know how the term Ps and Qs fits into a day to day conversation, we are now going to look at some examples of this.
The first conversation is happening between the two sisters.
- Person 1: “When are you taking my children to the park?”
- Person 2: “We will leave in an hour, I will also take them to get some ice cream.”
- Person 1: “OK, thank you and remind them to watch their Ps and Qs.”
The second conversation is happening between a mother and her young son.
- Person 1: “Are you all ready for school?”
- Person 2: “Yes mom.”
- Person 1: “Ok, we’ll have a great day and be nice to everyone, mind your Ps and Qs.”
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