Etymology Journal · Y

You kids behave yourselves

Meaning

A parting instruction given by parents or adults to children. It is a standard plea for decorum, safety, and not getting into trouble.

Caring, admonishing

We are leaving for dinner now, so you kids behave yourselves.
The babysitter told the group you kids behave yourselves while I am at the store.
As the parents walked out they shouted back you kids behave yourselves.

This is a universal parental instinct to leave the house with a reminder of the rules. It is the verbal equivalent of a protective hug.

Nationwide

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