There is " like a gentleman ", as in : " Act like a gentleman " / " You're a gentleman, act like one ".
Is there anything less formal ? " Like a dood " maybe ? or simply " behave " ?
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1'Behave yourself' works, I find. It is up to oneself to behave, irrespective of others . Welcome to EL&U.– Nigel JMar 14, 2018 at 16:32
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1In many Jewish communities, or in areas where such communities have had significant influence, you might also hear "be a mensch". (Mensch is a Yiddish word, which in this context more-or-less means "a respectable person".)– Jeff ZeitlinMar 14, 2018 at 16:55
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like a gent? That is less formal, but so like the original that I am unsure that it counts, so I am not offering it as an answer.– Lee LeonMar 14, 2018 at 17:39
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2 Answers
There are quite a few ways!
Your alternative of "behave" works.
You could also say...
"Act cordially."
"Be respectful."
"Act warmly/kindly/politely."
"Be civil."
"Be courteous."
"Be hospitable."
There are many, many more ways you could word it but there's a few for you to consider. I wouldn't go with dood, though, unless you're referring to Dudeism. Ha!
"Act like The Dude, you fool!"
A calm "manners, please" will usually suffice. Or "mind your (manners/language/self)" is also appropriate.
I find it difficult to use "behave" without at least thinking of the Carry On films. It always feels a little double entendre to me.
