What is pipe down?

"Pipe down" is an informal English phrase commonly used to instruct someone to be quieter or to stop talking. The expression likely originates from nautical language, where it referred to signaling sailors via the boatswain's pipe, an instrument used to convey orders on ships. When a sailor was told to "pipe down," it meant they were being dismissed or instructed to lower their activity or noise level. Over time, it has entered everyday language to gently or firmly request that someone reduces their noise or chatter.