p's and q's

noun plural \ˌpēz-^ən-ˈkyüz\

Definition of P'S AND Q'S

: something (as one's manners) that one should be mindful of <better watch his p's and q's when I get a six-gun of my own — Jean Stafford>

: best behavior <being on her p's and q's for two solid days was too much — Guy McCrone>

from the phrase mind one's p's and q's, alluding to the difficulty a child learning to write has in distinguishing between p and q

First Known Use: 1779

Next Word in the Dictionary: PsaroniusPrevious Word in the Dictionary: psammosereAll Words Near: p's and q's

What made you want to look up p's and q's? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears