Word
quid
US/ˈkwɪd/
UK/kwˈɪd/
Definitions
01money
n. one pound in British money.
n. one pound sterling. The plural form is typically 'quid' rather than 'quids' when used with a specific number.
“Could you lend me ten quid until I get to the bank tomorrow?”
“He managed to pick up a vintage leather jacket for only fifty quid at the local charity shop.”
British English · Informal
Usage
The plural form is usually 'quid' when preceded by a numeral (e.g., 'five quid').
Pitfall
The ticket cost ten quids.
The ticket cost ten quid.
In British English, 'quid' usually stays the same in the plural when you mention a specific amount of money.
02chewing tobacco
n. a small piece of tobacco that is meant for chewing rather than smoking.
n. a piece of something to be chewed, specifically a plug of chewing tobacco.
“The old sailor always had a quid of tobacco in his cheek.”
“He spat out a dark quid of tobacco before addressing the crowd gathered at the docks.”
Informal
03to chew tobacco
v. to chew a piece of tobacco.
v. to chew tobacco; also used to describe the act of food falling from the mouth while chewing.
“He sat on the porch, quidding quietly while he watched the sunset.”
“The elderly farmer spent his afternoons quidding tobacco and sharing stories with anyone who would listen.”
Informal · Dialect
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“A few quid here and there can add up to some big change.” “We use them on our bar, and for 30 quid everyone should give it a go.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin quid (“what, something”), neuter singular of quis (“who”).
Likely derives from the phrase quid pro quo (“this for that”), referring to the exchange of goods/services for money.
From Middle English quide, quede, from Old English cwidu, cwudu (“that which is chewed, cud”). Doublet of cud.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/quid