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
Ps and Qs Meaning
The term Ps and Qs refers to manners and saying please and thank you. It is often used to remind children to be polite.
Origin of this English diom
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.’
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.”
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!
Meaning of “Ps and Qs” | Picture
