When asking for something or for a favor it is polite to say "please?" after your request. Why is that? My theory is that it came from using the phrase "Please me?" after asking the request and it has been cut down to just "Please?". Does anyone know what the true origin is?
Thank you.
2006-12-26 10:47:38 · 5 answers · asked by ChicLibrarian 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Actually you are correct but it is not "kind" etiquette actually the kings said and began this mess of a word it means just what it says if I am not pleased you die or you must please me I demand you to please me you must please! actually the lower class was only recently able to use it so easily!
And i am only guessing!
2006-12-26 10:59:04 · answer #1 · answered by wise 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a great question that deserves the utmost attention the derivative of the origin of the word please comes from way before the Greeks or Latin or even Aramaic pleas entries of delight Fancy be it for me to say that Eve told Adam will you please try this fruit so you will have knowledge as i do Adam It is the least a person can do when asking someone for a favor .Always say Please and Thank You
2006-12-26 20:23:51 · answer #2 · answered by pappydig33 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Comes from the word "Pleasantry" A formality that gives 'pleasure' that is 'pleasant'.
As in "Give me a pleasantry" or make 'pleasant'.
2006-12-26 18:51:31 · answer #3 · answered by Ashley 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're right in that it came from "please me" or "if you would please me".
The word please comes from the Old French "plaisir" (meaning pleasure), which generate the Middle English word "plesen", meaning to please or to give pleasure.
2006-12-26 18:53:14 · answer #4 · answered by mountaingirl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please is a contraction for
"If it please thee"
or
"May it please thee"
Namaste, and Happy Holidays,
--Tom
2006-12-26 18:50:26 · answer #5 · answered by glassnegman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋