quid
C1Informal, slang
Definition
Meaning
One pound sterling (£1), British currency.
Any sum of money, particularly cash; also refers to the wad of tobacco in one's mouth (British informal).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Always singular for the singular meaning (£1). Plural 'quid' means 'pounds', e.g., 'five quid'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British slang for pounds. In American English, refers only to a piece of chewing tobacco (less common).
Connotations
UK: Informal, everyday cash. US: Rural/southern, associated with chewing tobacco.
Frequency
High frequency in UK informal contexts; low frequency in US, primarily in specific regional dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[amount] + quid (e.g., 'ten quid')V + a quid (e.g., 'lend me a quid')Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “quids in (UK: in a profitable position)”
- “not the full quid (Aus/NZ: not very intelligent)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used informally, e.g., 'The deal saved us a few quid.' Not used in formal financial reports.
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Very common in UK spoken English for discussing prices/cash.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The magazine costs two quid.
- Can I borrow a quid for the bus?
- I found a few quid in my old coat pocket.
- The repair should only be about twenty quid.
- He's always trying to make a quick quid on the side.
- After that investment, we're finally quids in.
- For a mere fifty quid, you get access to the full suite of features.
- The phrase 'not the full quid' implies a certain lack of shrewdness.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
QUID sounds like 'squid', but a squid has ten tentacles – think of ten one-pound coins.
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT (you can be 'quids in', have a 'wad of quid').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'quid pro quo' (услуга за услугу).
- Do not translate directly as 'фунт' in formal writing – use 'pound'.
- Plural form remains 'quid' (five quid), not 'quids'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'quids' as plural (incorrect: 'I have ten quids').
- Using in formal writing.
- Using in American contexts to mean dollars.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'quid' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is invariable. 'One quid', 'fifty quid' – the form does not change.
Only if you are referring to chewing tobacco. Using it to mean dollars will confuse Americans.
'Pound' is the formal, official term. 'Quid' is the common, informal slang equivalent, used almost exclusively in speech.
A British idiom meaning to be in a position of profit or advantage, especially from a deal or bet.