0970 Mind your P’s and Q’s

Explanation

Be careful about your behaviour, manners, and speech; be polite, proper, and precise. Pay attention to social conventions.

Origin

The exact origin is uncertain, with several popular theories:

Printing: Typesetters needed care to distinguish the similar-looking metal type for lowercase p and q.
Pubs: Bartenders tracked customer tabs by Pints and Quarts, perhaps warning rowdy patrons to behave (mind their consumption/tab).
Penmanship: Children learning cursive were reminded to form their ps and qs carefully.
Politeness/Precision: A general reminder to be careful about details and etiquette.
Dancing: Mind your pieds (feet) and queues (wigs) during formal dances.

Regardless of origin, the established meaning is to behave properly and politely.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

Keep your nose clean (Stay out of trouble, behave properly)
Play nice (Behave cooperatively and politely, often used for children or ironically for adults)
Don't mess up / Don't screw up (Informal warning to perform well/behave)
Act right (AAVE/Informal: Behave properly)

Vulgar/Emphatic:

Don't fuck up (Vulgar, blunt warning to avoid mistakes or bad behaviour)

Milder/Modern:

Be professional (In work contexts)
Be respectful
Watch what you say/do
Make a good impression

Situational Appropriateness

Can sound somewhat old-fashioned or slightly patronizing, especially when said to adults.
More common when instructing children or referring to situations requiring particular formality or politeness. Use with care.

Misunderstanding Warnings

Completely opaque without explanation. Learners will likely be confused about what 'P' and 'Q' refer to. Needs clear definition.

Examples

You're meeting her parents tonight, so mind your P's and Q's.
The teacher reminded the children to mind their P's and Q's during the museum visit.
He'd better mind his P's and Q's if he wants to make a good impression.

Dialogue

Grandmother: Your Uncle Arthur is coming for dinner. He can be quite particular.

Parent: Okay, kids, remember what Grandma said. Mind your P's and Q's at the table tonight. Use your napkins and say 'please' and 'thank you'.

Child: Yes, Mom.

Response Patterns

Acknowledgement/Assurance: Okay, I will. / Don't worry, I'll be on my best behaviour.
Mild indignation (if perceived as unnecessary): I always mind my P's and Q's!
Inquiry: Why? Is it a very formal event?

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

Asking for context on why extra care is needed.
Reassuring the speaker that one will behave appropriately.
Making a conscious effort to be polite and careful.

Conversation Starter

No.
It's advice or an instruction about behaviour.

Intonation

Usually delivered as calm but firm advice or instruction.
Stress on MIND, P's, and Q's. MIND your P's and Q's.

Generation Differences

More commonly used and perhaps taken more seriously by older generations (50+).
Younger generations generally understand it but might find it quaint or unnecessary unless in a clearly formal context.

Regional Variations

Used in both UK and US English, perhaps slightly more common or traditional-sounding in the UK.

Shoot from the hip

🎲 Kick up your heels

[0970] Mind your P’s and Q’s