Well in this case I know something the proponents of that theory do not,
having hand set type for a few years. "p" and "q" are not next to each
other in the type drawer (case). However, that is probably how type
became known as upper and lower case, because they are normally in two
different cases. On the other hand in returning the type to the case one
does have to be careful about d, b, p, and q. So I guess that is a
possible reference (See--
http://www.languagehat.com/archives/001413.php), although I do not see
how it would likely become common usage. See:
http://www.languagehat.com/archives/001413.php
Then again, it was usually said to children, so the references to
handprinting seem more likely (not handwriting as a p and a q do not
resemble each other there). I can imagine a teacher in an old one room
school house saying, OK, children, today we are going to print out the
alphabet, be sure to mind your P's and Q's"; and it coming to mean "be
careful".
So maybe I am learning something here. Now what does "PDQ" and "on the
QT" mean? Seems like there were lots of alphabet soup words long before
computers and the Internet. Can anyone think of other similar terms?
graywolf
http://www.graywolfphoto.com
"Idiot Proof" <==> "Expert Proof"
-----------------------------------
Tom Reese wrote:
Which brings up something I have been worrying about since early
childhood, just what in the hell are "P's and Q's"?
http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/gen01/gen01325.htm
