Why Is Quid Slang For The Pound?

“What does ‘quid’ mean in English slang?” is a common question among those unfamiliar with British colloquialisms. In British slang, the term ‘quid’ serves as an informal reference to a pound, which is the currency of the United Kingdom. This slang word is comparable to how ‘buck’ is utilized in the United States to denote a dollar. So, when someone in the UK mentions having a few quid, they are essentially talking about having a certain amount of British currency, with each quid being equivalent to one pound. This linguistic quirk adds a unique dimension to British English and is a significant part of the nation’s vernacular.

In common language, the term “quid” is used interchangeably with the British pound, so when someone mentions “50 quid,” they are referring to 50 pounds. Similarly, “20 quid” is equivalent to 20 pounds, “3 quid” corresponds to 3 pounds, and “a quid” represents 1 pound. Essentially, “quid” is a colloquial way of denoting the British currency, with each “quid” being equivalent to one pound. This informal terminology simplifies discussions about currency values in everyday conversation.