Explaining “Children should be seen and not heard”

What does it mean?

The phrase suggests that children should behave quietly and not speak unless spoken to, emphasizing the expectation that they should be unobtrusive and well-behaved.

Tone

Origin

The phrase originates from the 15th-century religious talk and was later popularized during Victorian times. It was often used to reinforce societal expectations of children's behavior in public and around adults.