Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for F577.4 returned 2 results.
MIND YOUR P'S & Q'S
THE INFORMANT STATES THAT THE EXPRESSION, "MIND YOUR
P'S AND Q'S" WAS STARTED BECAUSE OF MARKS ON
ALE MUGS. THESE MARKS WERE FOR PINTS AND QUARTS.
THE BARTENDER THEN HAD TO BE CAREFUL TO MAKE SURE
A DRINK WAS ONE PINT OR ONE QUART OF ALE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of quantity or weight Liquid BELIEF -- Explanation of a name SPEECH -- Formula SPEECH -- To Be Seen |
Date learned: 03-15-1967
MIND YOUR P'S AND Q'S
THE INFORMANT TOLD THIS STORY AS TO THE ORIGIN
OF THE EXPRESSION "MIND YOUR P'S AND Q'S." SHE SAID
THAT IN LONDON THERE IS AN ALE HOUSE WITH THAT SIGN
ABOVE THE DOOR, AND INSIDE WRITTEN ON THE WALLS,
AND LOW CEILING, THE BARTENDER KEEPS A RUNNING
TALLY OF HOW MUCH SOMEONE OWES. HENCE, THE
EXPRESSION MEANS TO WATCH THE TOTAL MONEY OWED
FOR YOUR PINTS AND QUARTS.
Data entry tech comment: I THOUGH THEY USED LITERS!
Where learned: HIGHLAND PARK ; ILLINOIS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of quantity or weight Liquid CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of quality Medium of exchange BELIEF -- Explanation of a name SPEECH -- Formula SPEECH -- To Be Seen |
Date learned: 03-20-1967