where did the phrase Mind your P's and Q's come from?

Question

where did the phrase Mind your P's and Q's come from?

Answer 1

There are several starts to this and I will be brief...



Old time print type setting, the p's and q's are next to each other, in type they are backwards...so the untrained had to mind their P's and Q's.



Old time English pubs, the men would drink and be merry for the evening and settle up with the innkeeper at closing. In the pubs, ale is drafted not bottled and was sold as a pint or quart (for the hearty drinker). At closing time the inn keeper would tell the gentlemen "mind your P's and Q's " so they would settle their bar tabs.

Answer 2

It derives from the duties of church caretakers, I think.

Or is that minding keys and pews?

Answer 3

its your everyday cliche...