p's and q's
Polite behavior standards
P's and q's appears almost exclusively in the phrase mind your p's and q's, meaning to be careful about one's behavior or manners.
The expression suggests attention to small details of propriety and politeness: The children were told to mind their p's and q's at the formal dinner.
The origin is uncertain—theories involve typesetting, handwriting instruction, and pub tabs—but none is conclusive.
- mind your mannersAdmonition to be courteous
- civilityFormal politeness in conduct
- courtesyRespectful, considerate behavior
- politenessCourteous, respectful conduct
- best behaviorExemplary conduct on display
dotting · decorum · scrupulousness · fastidiousness · tread carefully · propriety · say please · excuse · meticulousness · crossing · tactfulness · please · conscientiousness · watch your step · accuracy · respectfulness · vigilance · toe the line
p's and q'srudeness
Disrespectful social behavior
bad manners · incivility · boorishness · impropriety · impoliteness
p's and q'scarelessness
Inattention causing mistakes
sloppiness · negligence · inattention · heedlessness · thoughtlessness