WebDec 8, 2015 · Much more likely is that p and q stands for “pints and quarts,” in which case the phrase might originally have referred to a landlord totting up a customer’s tab, or to a … WebMar 1, 2024 · The Answer: You can find helpful answers to questions like this in the alt.usage.english FAQ. According to the FAQ, there are several theories about how the expression, which means "to be careful to behave correctly," was first used. Some are: It was a warning to children learning to write.
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WebJun 28, 2012 · For example, if you're telling someone to mind his p's and q's, the Chicago Manual of Style says to use apostrophes. It makes sense. "Mind your ps and qs" just isn't as clear. Of course, when you ... WebPs and Qs are just the plural of the letters P and Q. There some disagreement amongst grammarians about how to spell Ps and Qs - either upper-case or lower-case and either with or without a hyphen. You may see the phrase as mind your p's and q's or mind your Ps and Qs or (occasionally) mind your P's and Q's or (rarely) as mind your ps and qs. tsw travel
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WebJul 26, 2024 · When someone cautions you to mind your Ps and Qs, they're using an age-old expression to mind your manners, be on your best behavior and watch what you are doing. WebAnswer (1 of 8): I agree with Peter Messaline about this. I think it originated from typeface that was hand done. All the letters were placed by hand, upside down, to print the page. "p"s and "q"s look identical from that angle, so one had to be careful not to make mistakes. WebJan 13, 2024 · Mind your Ps and Qs is our phrase in The English We Speak. If someone tells you to mind your Ps and Qs, they’re telling you to be polite in a social situation, and to be careful about what you say or do. Neil Feifei, I’m always on my best behaviour. Now, let me practise my speech. Feifei And I’ll play some examples. Examples Gang, Gang, Gang! tsw treuhand