People usually say this when they are asking you to be careful or aware of something
2007-03-02 00:47:20 · 5 answers · asked by winnie 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
It started in a bar where people would mark how many Pints and Quarts they drank, so they know how much to pay. They had to mind their P&Q's so they didn't try to cheat the bartender and get thrown out.
2007-03-02 00:56:08 · answer #1 · answered by Greg 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The origin of this expression, first recorded in 1779, is disputed. Among the more interesting theories advanced is that bartenders kept track of customers' consumption in terms of pints (p's) and quarts (q's) and the phrase referred to an honest accounting; that schoolchildren were taught to be careful in distinguishing the letters p and q; and that French dancing masters cautioned pupils about the correct performance of the figures pieds and queues (either abbreviated or mispronounced in English as p's and q's). (www.answer.com)
2007-03-02 08:59:37 · answer #2 · answered by monchicha 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've always understand this term to mean mind your manners. It's a childish way of saying ps (pleases) and qs (thank yous).
2007-03-03 06:59:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Greg is correct. It's from the olden English times. You had to mind your P's & Q's so that the bartender didn't stiff you for more than you owed! ;-)=
2007-03-02 09:01:00 · answer #4 · answered by Jcontrols 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've always been told it's because a lower case p and q can easily be mistaken for each other.
2007-03-02 08:57:49 · answer #5 · answered by The Cheminator 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋