quid

¹ American  

[kwid] / kwɪd /

noun

1. a portion of something, especially tobacco, that is to be chewed but not swallowed.

---

quid ² American  

[kwid] / kwɪd /

noun

plural

quid

1. British Informal. one pound sterling.

---

quid ¹ British  

/ kwɪd /

noun

1. slang one pound sterling

2. slang in a very favourable or advantageous position

3. slang mentally subnormal

---

quid ² British  

/ kwɪd /

noun

1. a piece of tobacco, suitable for chewing

---

Etymology

Origin of quid¹

First recorded in 1720–30; dialectal variant of cud

Origin of quid²

First recorded in 1680–90; origin uncertain

Explanation

A quid is a hunk or wad of something you chew. I don't recommend shoving a quid of gum in your mouth right before you give your speech. Quid, defined in the 1720s as "a portion suitable to be chewed or held in the mouth," shares a source with cud, as in what a cow chews. The Old English root of both is cudu, "gum or resin." Quid is also British slang for one pound sterling, which may derive from the Latin word meaning "that which is." Order fish and chips in a London pub and you may hear, "That'll be six quid, mate."

Example Sentences

Quid pro quo is his answer, but perhaps it is also the chance to feel self-important again.

From Salon • Nov. 10, 2024

Kids for a Quid tickets will be valid all day, every day, and season ticket holders will be able to apply for a refund.

From BBC • Sep. 13, 2023

Of course the experience of raising Quid was heightened by the pandemic, as it was for so many people in similar positions.

From New York Times • Sep. 18, 2022

Quid pro quo: Latin for “something for something.”

From Seattle Times • Jan. 27, 2020

“Salve, amice,” he said, and a subtle animation flickered in his rigid features, usually so locked up, and distant: “Valesne? Quid est rei?”

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt