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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 " ?

Anouar Belkadi
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    'Behave yourself' works, I find. It is up to oneself to behave, irrespective of others . Welcome to EL&U. – Nigel J Mar 14 '18 at 16:32
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    In 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 Zeitlin Mar 14 '18 at 16:55
  • 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 Leon Mar 14 '18 at 17:39

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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!"

Heather
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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.

Pam
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