<P> Nevertheless, a number of alternative explanations have been considered as more or less plausible . Another explanation suggests that "Ps and Qs" is short for "pleases" and "thank - yous", the latter of which contains a sound similar to the pronunciation of the name of the letter "Q". Another proposed origin is from the English pubs and taverns of the 17th century . Bartenders would keep a watch on the alcohol consumption of the patrons; keeping an eye on the pints and quarts that were consumed . As a reminder to the patrons, the bartender would recommend they "mind their Ps and Qs". This may also have been a reminder to bartenders not to confuse the two units, written as "p" and "q" on the tally slate . </P> <P> Other origin stories, some considered "fanciful", could come from French instructions to mind one's pieds (feet) and queues (wigs) while dancing . However, there is no French translation for this expression . Another origin could be from sailors in the 18th century who were reminded to pay attention to their peas (pea coat) and queues (pony tail). </P> <P> Another proposal concerns the use of Norman French in medieval England; as the English dialect of the 11th century had no qs, one must watch their usage in court or discourse with the French Norman conquerors . </P> <P> Quinion cites an apparently related expression of pee and kew for "highest quality" used in 17th - century English: "The Oxford English Dictionary has a citation from Rowlands' Knave of Harts of 1612: "Bring in a quart of Maligo, right true: And looke, you Rogue, that it be Pee and Kew ." Nobody is really sure what either P or Q stood for . To say they're the initials of "Prime Quality" seems to be folk etymology, because surely that would make "PQ" rather than "P and Q". </P>

What is the origin of watch your p's and q's