Explaining "Children should be seen and not heard"

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper 29/09/2024, 19:08

English.me team member

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

The tone of this phrase is generally authoritarian and old-fashioned, reflecting traditional views on children and their place in society.

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.

Examples of usage

Whenever the adults were talking, Claire reminded her kids that children should be seen and not heard.
In his house, John expected that children should be seen and not heard during family gatherings.
The old saying that children should be seen and not heard often comes under scrutiny in more modern parenting discussions.