This unique slang term has a fascinating historical origin that dates back centuries. The word quid is derived from the Latin phrase quid pro quo, which translates to something for something. In the 17th century, merchants and traders commonly used this phrase when referring to the exchange of goods or services for money.
Over time, the term “quid” became solidified in British vernacular as a shorthand for the pound sterling, the nation’s official currency unit. Today, despite its peculiar etymology, the word “quid” remains an ingrained part of British culture and language, serving as a quirky yet enduring reminder of the country’s rich
Key Takeaways
- Quid is a uniquely British slang term used to refer to the pound sterling currency
- Its origins can be traced back to the 17th century, likely deriving from the Latin phrase quid pro quo or the word quid meaning something
- Over several centuries, quid evolved from referring specifically to the sovereign gold pound coin to being used for British money more generally
- The term gained widespread cultural significance, appearing in classic literature, popular songs, TV shows, and movies depicting British life
- While still commonly used slang today across the UK, the history behind “quid” is a quirky and intriguing look into the evolution of language
Why Do Brits Say Quid?
If you’ve ever visited the United Kingdom or watched British TV shows and movies, you’ve likely heard people casually referring to quid instead of pounds. To an outsider, it can seem like a peculiar way to talk about money. But this slang term has been a part of the vernacular for centuries and holds an interesting place in British linguistic history.
The simple answer is that no, the UK hasn’t replaced the pound sterling with some new currency called a quid. It’s merely a long-standing slang term that has become entrenched in everyday British English for referring to pounds.
But how did this odd-sounding word originate and evolve to become such a ubiquitous part of the language? To understand, we need to dive into the rich cultural heritage and etymological roots behind quid.
Does the UK Still Use Quid?
Before we explore the history, let’s clarify : does quid still hold any official monetary value in the UK today?
The answer is no, at least not in any legal sense. The pound sterling (represented by the £ symbol) remains the only officially recognized and circulated currency across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. that hasn’t stopped quid from being widely used as slang for pounds in everyday British conversation and casual settings. You’ll hear people say things like:
- I only have a fiver (£5) left
- Fancy a pint? It’s only a couple of quid down at The Crown
- This shirt cost me 20 quid at the shops
While not an official unit of currency, quid serves as a convenient slang shorthand that’s fully ingrained in modern British culture and speech patterns. It’s a quirky example of how slang terms can become deeply embedded linguistic traditions over time.
When Did People Start Saying Quid?
So where did this bit of slang actually come from in the first place? There are a few prominent theories put forth by linguists and historians:
Latin Roots
The most widely accepted origin story is that quid derived from the Latin phrase quid pro quo which translates to something for something or an equal exchange/substitution.
It’s thought that in the 17th century, the slang use of quid developed among thieves and underprivileged segments of society. At the time, the sovereign gold pound coin was an accepted form of payment and represented a standardized unit of value that could be exchanged.
Using wordplay on the Latin quid pro quo, these groups began referring to the coin itself as simply quid an even exchange, or something for something.
Seal Stamp Origins
Another theory is that quid was taken from the Latin word quidded which meant the thick wax seal or stamp used on letters and packages in the 1600s. These seals indicated value, authenticity and acted as symbols of exchange.
As gold sovereign coins came into use around the same time, it’s hypothesized that the Latin slang term quid carried over as shorthand for the coins which depicted the wax stamp on one side.
Farthing Nickname
A third potential origin comes from the year 1688 when England’s Privy Council had to arrange distribution of a special issue of farthing coins. To distinguish them from other farthings in circulation, they were referred to as quid.
Some say this Latin-derived term then transferred over time to become slang for the larger, more valuable pound coin as well. While the quid pro quo theory is most widely accepted among linguistic experts, the multiple potential origins illustrate how new slang terms often emerge organically from common phrases or nicknames used by society’s working classes.
Historical Usage of the Term Quid
Whichever origin theory is correct, written records clearly show that by the early 1700s, quid was being used extensively across Britain as slang for money and currency.
One of the earliest examples comes from The Mistaken Husband a 1675 novel which includes the line
I’d give my Skin full of Quid’s for a pint of Sack.
And in 1737, the book a Remonstrance detailed how thieves and con artists have a way of milking the quid, or breaking the half quid; that is, making twelve shillings go for twenty of a guinea or half a guinea.
These quotes demonstrate that within a few decades, quid was not only being used casually to refer to money, but more specialized meanings had developed like half quid for a half guinea coin.
As Great Britain’s economic and cultural influence expanded over the next few centuries, so did the prevalence of quid in the popular lexicon across all segments of British society. The more deeply entrenched it became, the more its usage evolved.
Evolution of Quid Over Time
Originally used specifically in reference to the sovereign gold pound coin itself, quid gradually generalized over time to indicate the standardized unit of British currency more broadly.
By the early 1900s, it had transitioned to essentially mean pound sterling no matter what physical denomination or form the money took. This shift mirrored larger societal changes as Britain moved towardsDecemberized banknote currency and away from carrying around hefty gold coins.
At the same time, the slang stopped being restricted to the criminal underclasses that gave birth to the term centuries earlier. Quid infiltrated spoken English across all social strata, from working-class neighborhoods to aristocratic circles.
It started appearing consistently in classic novels, songs, poems, and comedic performances showing how it had cemented itself in mainstream British popular culture.
The Cultural Significance of Quid
As a window into British history, the widespread adoption and evolving usage of quid over multiple generations is a fascinating case study on the enduring power of slang.
Linguists believe the term’s longevity can be attributed to a few key factors:
Simplicity and Catchiness
Monosyllabic words that roll off the tongue tend to have more sticking power as slang. Quid fits that mold perfectly.
Connection to Core Part of Culture
Money, wages, prices these were core parts of daily life for average Brits in the 17th-19th centuries when quid emerged. Associating it with such relatable concepts increased its relevance.
Expansion of British Cultural Influence
As the British Empire and global economic power expanded, so did the geographic spread and integration of its language and slang like quid.
Similar Terms Used in Other Languages and Cultures
While quid is distinctly British slang, the concept of using catchy, informal words to refer to currency is found across many cultures. Let’s explore some examples:
- Polish: Kita In Polish slang, cash or money is often called kite The term likely derived from the Romani word kiter meaning earnings or wage.
- German: Obey
Germans sometimes use the slang obey which is thought to come from the Turkish word opus meaning small change or coins. - French: Semele Translating literally to sole the French slang term Semele refers to money or dough, possibly originating from the idea of carrying cash in one’s shoe.
- Italian: Grana Italians informally call money grana derived from the grain-based currency used in mediaeval Italy before modern banknotes.
- Russian: Babka The Russian slang word babka meaning money comes from the term for little peasant women who dealt with finances in pre-revolutionary times.
Even English has multiple slang terms like dough, bread, cabbage, clams and more used over the decades. The consistent theme is associating currency with simple, everyday words or imagery.
These quirky linguistic connections demonstrate the universality of informal slang emerging to discuss something as fundamental as money within a culture. Quid is just an especially successful and enduring example from the British tradition.
Famous Quid References in Pop Culture
As British cultural influence expanded worldwide, so did the proliferation of quid references across media and entertainment over the 20th century:
Literature
- Put a shilling in a bastard’s hand and it would wander its way back to you a quid before a pint could slip over a man’s whistle. (Joyce’s Ulysses, 1922)
- An’ it’s the dustmen, years all know, wot keeps the Jews in tow, crake, ain’t they rotten mugs, with their precious little quid hugs (Robert Graves Good-bye to All That, 1929)
Music
- He’s got a million-pound quid, he’s stinking rich and still hasn’t got an ‘air you dig (Semi-Detached Suburban Mr. Jones” by Manfred Mann, 1966)
- We were getting quid, quid, quid: for everything we did (Back In The U.S.S.R by The Beatles, 1968)
TV/Film
- Two triple whiskies. And I want some quid on account for the bar (Bob Hoskins, The Long Good Friday, 1980)
- And where did you get the quid for the gear? Nicked it? (Danny Dyer, The Football Factory, 2004)
From classic novels to punk rock to gritty British gangster films, quid has been a part of defining the distinct voice and cultural zeitgeist for generations.
While slang naturally comes and goes, the fact that quid has remained relevant and widely recognized across such diverse media over a century demonstrates just how deeply internalized the term has become.
The Quid in Modern Day Usage
Despite being centuries old, “quid” continues to be heard abundantly across the UK in modern times. Some key areas where it remains extremely prevalent:
Casual Conversation
Whether at the pub, on the street, or among friends and family, Brits regularly use quid as an easy verbal shorthand. Some common examples:
- I haven’t got a quid to my name this week
- This meal cost me 25 quid at least.
- Can you chuck us a few quid for the cab?
Marketing and Advertising
Recognizing the cultural cache, many British companies will strategic incorporate quid phrasing into marketing:
- Travel site promos for Holidays from £299 per quid
- Mobile carrier deals pushing “100 quid cash back on Samsung phones”
- Local ads like Pints only 2 quid on Wednesdays!”
News and Publications
Even respected newspapers and journalists will use the slang term from time to time when quoting sources or adding a casual, relatable tone. For example:
- Company execs accused of mishandling £2m quid
- How I doubled my money with this 50 quid investment
- Cost of living crisis leaves families with just £10 quid for food
So while it may sound shockingly informal to outsiders, quid has become fully accepted as part of the modern British English linguistic repertoire in 2023. It lives on as versatile slang that can convey anything from affection to frustration to humor, depending on usage and context.
Some critics argue that its persistence in serious publications and formal contexts constitutes poor grammar. But the majority of linguistic experts view quid as a perfect example of effective, naturalized slang that enhances the expressiveness of the language.
Interesting Quid Facts and Trivia
To wrap up, here are some fascinating bits of trivia about the quirky history and usage of quid over the centuries:
- In the 1700s, criminal underworld code words emerged like Quid’s nab meaning to steal coins or money.
- The slang term quidsmamic developed in the 1800s to refer to a money-lender or loan shark.
- In 1995, outraged Britons mockingly petitioned Parliament to rename the pound sterling as the Quid after the Black Wednesday UK currency crisis.
- A common Scottish slang term combines quid into awfyquine meaning extremely or very, as in it cost me an awry quince money
- The widespread cultural awareness was highlighted when The Pokémon Company localized their new Gala Warden character for the UK market with battle cries like I’ll ‘aver year quid’s
- Some English teachers have incorporated quid into grammar lessons about the quirks of singular/plural forms. For instance: I have two quid but She gave me three quid’s.
Whether it makes you chuckle or just seems like an odd bit of linguistic history, there’s no denying the profound impact and lasting relevance quid has had on British English and culture over the past four centuries. Long may it reign as one of the UK’s most beloved bits of slang!
Quid Quick Facts
- Originated: 17th Century Britain
- Likely Roots: Latin quid pro quo phrase or the word quid meaning something
- Meaning: Slang term referring to pound sterling currency
- First Known Usage: 1600s-1700s by criminal underclasses & thieves
- Evolved to Mean: Originally sovereign gold pound coins, then generalized to all British money
- How Much is 20 Quid? £20 (other examples: fiver = £5, tenner = £10, 50 quid = £50)
- Prominent Examples: Charles Dickens, P.G. Wodehouse, The Beatles’ Back In The U.S.S.R
- Continued Usage: Widespread across Britain in marketing, casual speech, news, entertainment
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called a quid?
Quid is British slang for the British pound sterling, likely derived from the Latin phrase quid pro quo, meaning something for something.
What is the history of the term quid?
The term quid dates back to the late 17th century and was initially used to refer to a sovereign or guinea. Over time, it transitioned to mean one pound sterling.
Was quid always slang for British currency?
No, originally, quid referred to a specific coin denomination rather than the pound itself. It evolved into a general term for the currency.
Why did quid become popular slang for the pound?
The term “quid” gained popularity as a convenient and informal way to refer to the pound sterling, similar to how buck is used for the dollar in the United States.
Is quid still widely used today?
Yes, quid remains a common slang term for the British pound in everyday language across the United Kingdom.
Conclusion
From shady criminal origins in the 17th century to ubiquitous usage across all levels of modern British society, the evolution of quid as slang for money is quite a remarkable linguistic journey.
What began as possibly coded thieves’ cant became a uniquely British way to casually refer to everything from spare pocket change to substantial sums of cash. Its catchy simplicity and association with such a core cultural concept as currency allowed quid to transcend its humble beginnings.
Over several centuries, the meaning morphed from referring specifically to the sovereign gold coin to indicating the pound sterling more broadly. This transition mirrored larger societal changes as Britain moved to decimalized banknote currency.
