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

quid plural

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

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• quid
  plural

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

Since the Cold War, other countries that maintained their holdings of dollars and U.S. securities in no small part for security reasons, reflecting an implicit quid pro quo for America’s defense shield.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

As a quid pro quo, the UK is sending major artworks for display in Normandy museums, including the 12th century Lewis chess-set and the Anglo-Saxon treasures from the Sutton Hoo burial mound.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

Incredibly, as the New York Times reported in 2024, there was “never an official quid pro quo.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

District Judge Katherine Menendez, presiding over Minnesota’s request to end what locals officials have called a federal occupation, seemed to recognize the quid pro quo at play.

From Salon • Jan. 28, 2026

My quid pro quo double date with Jeff, Kristina, and Justin is at the Legion Diner on 773.

From "Ask the Passengers" by A.S. King