What is the Difference Between Pound and Quid?

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The terms "pound" and "quid" both refer to the currency of the United Kingdom, known as the British Pound Sterling (GBP). The difference between the two terms lies in their usage and informality:

  • Pound: This is the official term for the British currency, similar to how "dollar" is used for the currency issued by the United States. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more commonly used in formal settings.
  • Quid: This is a slang term for the pound sterling. It is a more informal way of referring to the British currency and is commonly used in casual conversations. The term "quid" originated from the Latin phrase "quid pro quo," which translates to "something for something".

In summary:

  • A quid equals £1, or one pound sterling.
  • Both "pound" and "quid" can be used interchangeably, but "pound" is more formal and suitable for formal settings.

Comparative Table: Pound vs Quid

The main difference between "pound" and "quid" lies in their usage:

  • Pound: This is the official term for the currency of the United Kingdom, similar to how "dollar" is the official term for the currency of the United States. It is used in a more formal context when referring to larger amounts or in official documentation.

  • Quid: This is a slang term for the British pound sterling, which is the official currency of the United Kingdom. It is a more casual and colloquial term used in everyday conversations, especially when referring to smaller amounts.

Here is a summary table highlighting the differences:

Term Meaning Usage
Pound Official term for the currency of the United Kingdom Formal context, larger amounts, official documentation
Quid Slang term for the British pound sterling Casual conversations, smaller amounts, everyday use