People who say 'behave' to adults

[readymade]

AIBU to think saying 'behave' to an adult (in seriousness) is patronizing? I can tolerate it being said in a jokey playful way, but when it is said as a one worded response/command it grates on me. It is particularly annoying when it is said as a one worded response to a mumsnet post. Is it a regional thing?

Anyone else feel the same

I say 'behave' to my dad on a regular basis because of his inappropriate behaviour. It's my way of telling him to stop.

I would assume others would use it for the same reason.

It's regional, I'm from the North West and it's a common thing to say if you disagree with someone.

I always thought it was a jokey Austen Powers thing. 'Oh behave!'

It's always been a common thing to say in East London too.

First thought reading this was Austin Powers!

to those saying it's specific to certain regions, is it usually said in a serious way?

I think I keep reading it in a serious and patronizing way

I’m in NW. Its often said in a light hearted way to say ‘stop’.

For example, I manage a small team who can on occasion get giddy and noisy. A quick ‘Right X, Y and Z, behave yourselves’ said with a smile often resets the mood and gets everybody back on task without atmosphere and bad feeling.

Whilst working up the ranks I’ve accepted this as a gentle ‘reminder’.

Maybe it’s less offensive in some regions.

I’m a Londoner and say it often. It’s not meant in a strictly serious way. It’s not exactly ‘jokey’ either, it’s more a light hearted exclamation like ‘oh stop it!’ or the TOWIE-esque ‘Shut UP’.

It's normally used in a jokey way isn't it? Like 'oh behave'. If someone's said like a rude joke or if adults are just generally being a bit cheeky. Or if someone's said something shocking

Basically just stop it but in a more lighthearted fashion

It normally means 'Don't be silly'.

It can be said in a serious or friendly way.

I'd read it (having lived in various places round UK) as a little bit of silly behaviour which is in danger of going on too long/too far and it's time to just calm down.

Not patronising at all.

No it's more jokey. E,g. "I think Jacob Rees Mogg is a great guy". "Behave yourself!" It's might not translate very well in writing though, I said it to a poster on here once and she was most offended.

I've been told to behave by a pp on here because I had an alternative view. Twatty thing to say