Can Quid Be Plural?
Yes, “quid” can be plural. In British informal usage, “quid” refers to one pound sterling, and its plural form can be either “quid” or “quids.” For example, both “twenty quid” and “twenty quids” are acceptable when referring to twenty pounds. Similarly, in the context of a chewable portion, such as tobacco, “quid” can also be pluralized as “quid” or “quids.”
Takeaways
| Key Points |
|---|
| The word “quid” is a British slang term for one pound sterling, commonly used in informal speech, and widely accepted in dictionaries like Merriam-Webster and Cambridge. |
| In British English, “quid” is generally used as an invariant plural, meaning it remains the same whether referring to one pound or multiple pounds, similar to uncountable nouns like “sheep” or “deer,” though some speakers occasionally use “quids” in specific contexts or phrases such as “quids in.” |
| The term originates from the Latin “quid,” meaning “what” or “something,” and has been used as slang for money since at least the late 1600s, potentially linked to the phrase “quid pro quo.” |
| Over time, “quid” has remained unchanged in pluralization, reinforcing its role as a mass noun in English, though “quids” occasionally appears for emphasis or regional preference. |
| Despite this variation, the most widely accepted usage remains the invariant “quid,” maintaining consistency in modern British conversations and media. |
Introduction
Definition of ‘quid’:
“Quid” is a British slang term that refers to one pound sterling. It is used in everyday conversation as an informal way to mention money. For instance, instead of saying “fifty pounds,” people often say “fifty quid.” This usage is widely recognized and appears in reputable dictionaries such as Merriam-Webster and Cambridge Dictionary.
Common usage in British English:
In the United Kingdom, “quid” is part of the everyday language, especially in informal contexts. Most Britons use the term casually when discussing prices or money in general. Phrases like “It costs twenty quid” or “I made a few quid on that sale” are common examples of its usage.
Pluralization in English
General rules for pluralizing nouns:
In English, the most common way to form a plural is to add an “s” (or “es” for words ending in s, sh, or ch) to the singular form. For example, “book” becomes “books,” and “box” becomes “boxes.” This rule applies to many regular countable nouns.
Exceptions to standard pluralization rules:
However, some nouns do not follow these rules and remain unchanged when plural. These are called invariant plurals. Examples include words like “sheep” and “deer,” which look the same whether referring to one or many. In addition, certain slang terms—especially those used to refer to money—can act like mass nouns, meaning they do not change form regardless of the amount being mentioned.
Plural Forms of ‘Quid’
Usage of ‘quid’ as an invariant plural:
In everyday British English, “quid” is most commonly used as an invariant plural. This means that whether someone refers to one pound or several, they typically use the same word. For example, saying “twenty quid” is preferred over “twenty quids.” This treatment is similar to how some uncountable nouns are handled in English, where the word remains the same regardless of quantity.
Instances where ‘quids’ is used:
Although the invariant form is more common, some speakers do choose to add an “s” to form “quids” when referring to multiple pounds. This variation can occur in certain regions or contexts where speakers want to emphasize distinct units. Both “quid” and “quids” are understood in conversation, and the choice between them often comes down to personal or regional preference.
Usage Examples
‘Quid’ in everyday language:
In everyday conversation across the United Kingdom, “quid” is a widely used slang term for one pound sterling. For example, someone might say, “That coffee cost five quid,” or “I saved twenty quid on the sale.” The term appears in casual dialogue, advertisements, and even media reports, serving as a friendly, informal substitute for the formal “pound.” It is common in both spoken and written British English, especially in settings where informality is preferred.
Contextual differences between ‘quid’ and ‘quids’:
Although the standard practice is to use “quid” as both singular and plural (e.g., “ten quid”), there are instances where speakers add an “s” and say “quids.” This variation is mostly seen in specific contexts or phrases such as “quids in,” which means making a good profit. While “quid” is generally treated as a mass noun, the occasional use of “quids” does not change the meaning but may be employed for emphasis or regional stylistic preference. In most modern conversations, however, the invariant form is preferred.
Etymology and Historical Usage
Origin of the term ‘quid’:
The origin of “quid” is not definitively known, though it is generally believed to derive from the Latin word quid, meaning “what” or “something.” Some sources suggest a connection with the phrase “quid pro quo” (literally “something for something”), which was used in English as early as the 17th century. This theory is supported by historical dictionaries and etymological references, which note that “quid” emerged as a slang term for a pound sterling in the late 1600s.
Evolution of its pluralization over time:
Historically, “quid” has been used as an invariant plural in the context of money—British speakers have long preferred to say “twenty quid” rather than “twenty quids.” Although some texts and speakers have occasionally used “quids,” particularly in set phrases like “quids in,” the modern standard remains the unchanged form “quid” for both singular and plural. This stability in pluralization reflects the broader tendency among certain slang and mass nouns in English to resist the addition of a regular plural “s.”
Use of “quid” in Quid Pro Quo
In the phrase “quid pro quo,” the word “quid” comes directly from Latin and means “what” or “something.” Combined with “pro quo” (“for what”), the full expression literally translates to “something for something” or “this for that.” This phrase originally emerged in contexts such as medieval apothecaries, where it described the practice of substituting one medicine for another. Over time, the expression expanded into legal, diplomatic, and everyday language to denote a reciprocal exchange—an arrangement in which one party receives something of value in return for providing something else.
It’s important to note that this use of “quid” in “quid pro quo” is distinct from the modern British slang “quid,” meaning one pound sterling. Although they share the same spelling, the “quid” in the Latin phrase functions as a pronoun in a general sense and is not related to currency. The dual existence of the word in different contexts sometimes confuses, but in “quid pro quo,” it firmly retains its classical meaning of “what” or “something” to be exchanged.
Conclusion
In summary, “quid” is an entrenched piece of British slang referring to one pound sterling. It is commonly used in everyday language with examples such as “That costs ten quid,” and it generally functions as an invariant plural noun, even though the variant “quids” appears in specific phrases like “quids in.” Etymologically, the term likely traces back to the Latin quid, and its use as slang for money has been well-established since the 17th century. Over time, while the plural form has been subject to occasional variation, modern usage predominantly favors the unchanged form “quid,” regardless of the quantity referenced.
FAQ
What is the plural form of “quid” in British English?
In British English, “quid” serves as an invariant noun, meaning it remains unchanged in both singular and plural contexts. For example, one would say, “It costs fifty quid,” when referring to £50.
Is “quids” ever used as a plural form?
While “quids” is occasionally used, it is uncommon and generally considered non-standard in British English. The preferred usage is to keep “quid” unchanged, regardless of the amount.
How does “quid” compare to other invariant nouns in English?
Similar to words like “sheep” or “fish,” “quid” does not change form between singular and plural. This invariance simplifies its usage in both casual and formal contexts.
Are there regional variations in the pluralization of “quid”?
Across the United Kingdom, “quid” is uniformly used as both singular and plural. There are no significant regional differences in this usage.
How is “quid” used in formal writing?
In formal writing, “quid” is typically avoided in favour of “pound” or “pounds.” However, if used, “quid” remains unchanged in the plural form.
Does the invariant nature of “quid” apply to other British currency slang?
Yes, other British currency slang terms, such as “grand” (referring to £1,000), also remain unchanged in both singular and plural forms.
Is “quid” used to refer to currencies outside the UK?
No, “quid” is exclusively used as slang for the British pound sterling and does not refer to other currencies.
How did “quid” become slang for the British pound?
The exact origin of “quid” as slang for the British pound is uncertain. One theory suggests it derives from the Latin phrase “quid pro quo,” meaning “something for something.”
Are there idiomatic expressions involving “quid”?
Yes, phrases like “quids in” mean being in a profitable situation, and “not worth a quid” implies something is of little value.
How should “quid” be used in everyday conversation?
In everyday British English, “quid” is commonly used to refer to pounds, e.g., “That’s worth ten quid.” The term remains unchanged in both singular and plural contexts.
