Quid vs. Shilling — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 27, 2023
Quid is a slang term for the British pound sterling, while Shilling was a former monetary unit in the UK, equal to one-twentieth of a pound.
Difference Between Quid and Shilling
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Quid and Shilling both have historical importance in the UK's monetary system. The term "Quid" is colloquially used in the UK to refer to the British pound sterling. On the other hand, the Shilling was a specific coin and monetary unit that was used in Britain until 1971.
In terms of value, one quid is equivalent to one pound sterling. This is just a slang way of referring to the currency. The Shilling, before it was phased out, was worth one-twentieth of a pound. Thus, it would take 20 shillings to make a quid or pound sterling.
The origins of the term "Quid" for the pound are somewhat debated, but it's deeply rooted in British vernacular. In contrast, the word "Shilling" comes from the Old English 'scilling', which has been used as a name for various coins for over a thousand years.
The Shilling was replaced by the five pence coin in the UK when the country decimalized its currency in 1971. The Quid, as a slang term, remains in use today and is as relevant as ever when discussing British money.
Usage of the two terms varies greatly today. While "Quid" is still commonly heard in everyday conversations in the UK, references to "Shilling" in a monetary context are more historical or nostalgic, as the coin no longer circulates.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Slang term
Historical coin and monetary unit
Value
Equivalent to one pound sterling
One-twentieth of a pound
Origins
Uncertain, British vernacular
Old English 'scilling'
Current Usage
Commonly used
Historical, no longer in circulation
Relevance
Refers to modern British currency
Refers to pre-1971 British currency
Compare with Definitions
Quid
A slang term for the British pound sterling.
I paid ten quid for that sandwich.
Shilling
An old British monetary unit.
My grandmother used to buy bread for a shilling.
Quid
Informal reference to the British pound.
The shoes cost fifty quid.
Shilling
Historical coin in the UK's monetary system.
Collectors seek the last minted shillings.
Quid
The equivalent value of one pound in the UK.
I found a quid on the street.
Shilling
Pre-decimal currency used before 1971.
The shilling was replaced by the five pence coin.
Quid
Common vernacular in the UK for money.
He owes me twenty quid.
Shilling
Derived from Old English 'scilling'.
The term shilling has been used for over a thousand years.
Quid
A cut, as of chewing tobacco.
Shilling
Abbr. s. A coin formerly used in the United Kingdom, worth one twentieth of a pound, 5 new pence, or 12 old pence prior to 1971.
Quid
A pound sterling.
Shilling
See Table at currency.
Quid
The inherent nature of something.
Shilling
(historical) A coin formerly used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, Australia, New Zealand and many other Commonwealth countries worth twelve old pence, or one twentieth of a pound sterling.
Quid
A member of a section of the Democratic-Republican Party between 1805 and 1811, following John Randolph of Roanoke. (From tertium quid.)
Shilling
The currency of Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania and Uganda.
Quid
Paired with quo, in reference to the phrase this for that: something offered in exchange for something else.
Shilling
A currency in the United States, differing in value between states.
Quid
(historical) A sovereign or guinea, that is, a certain coin or amount of money.
Shilling
The Spanish real, formerly having the value of one eighth of a dollar.
Quid
Pound sterling usually only used with a whole number of pounds
Seven quid for a toastie#English!toastie? You're joking aren't you?!
Shilling
Present participle of shill
Quid
Various national currencies typically known by the name "pound"
Shilling
A silver coin, and money of account, of Great Britain and its dependencies, equal to twelve pence, or the twentieth part of a pound, equivalent to about twenty-four cents of the United States currency.
Quid
Euro
Shilling
In the United States, a denomination of money, differing in value in different States. It is not now legally recognized.
Quid
Dollar, dollars
Shilling
The Spanish real, of the value of one eight of a dollar, or 12 cets; - formerly so called in New York and some other States. See Note under 2.
Quid
A piece of material for chewing, especially chewing tobacco.
Shilling
The basic unit of money in Uganda; equal to 100 cents
Quid
The act of chewing such tobacco
Shilling
The basic unit of money in Tanzania; equal to 100 cents
Quid
To chew tobacco.
Shilling
The basic unit of money in Somalia; equal to 100 cents
Quid
(of a horse) To let food drop from the mouth whilst chewing.
Shilling
The basic unit of money in Kenya; equal to 100 cents
Quid
A portion suitable to be chewed; a cud; as, a quid of tobacco.
Shilling
A former monetary unit in Great Britain
Quid
An English coin, a sovereign.
They invited him to come to-morrow, . . . and bring half a quid with him.
Shilling
An English coin worth one twentieth of a pound
Quid
To drop from the mouth, as food when partially chewed; - said of horses.
Shilling
Worth one-twentieth of a British pound.
Twenty shillings made up one pound.
Quid
The basic unit of money in Great Britain; equal to 100 pence
Quid
Something for something; that which a party receives (or is promised) in return for something he does or gives or promises
Quid
A wad of something chewable as tobacco
Quid
Colloquial expression for the currency in the UK.
Can you lend me a few quid?
Common Curiosities
How many Shillings made up one Quid?
Twenty shillings made up one quid or pound sterling.
Is "Quid" an official term for the British currency?
No, "Quid" is a colloquial or slang term, while "pound sterling" is the official term.
What is a Quid?
Quid is a slang term for the British pound sterling.
What is the origin of the term "Quid"?
The exact origin is debated, but it's deeply rooted in British vernacular.
How does a Shilling relate to the British currency system?
A Shilling was a historical monetary unit in the UK, equivalent to one-twentieth of a pound.
Do people in the UK still use the term "Shilling"?
Only in historical or nostalgic contexts, as it no longer refers to current currency.
Is the Shilling still in use today?
No, the Shilling was phased out in 1971 and replaced by the five pence coin.
How did the value of the Shilling compare to other coins?
Before 1971, the Shilling was worth 12 old pence or one-twentieth of a pound.
When was the Shilling last used?
The Shilling was last used in 1971 when the UK decimalized its currency.
Are Quid and Shilling terms used outside of the UK?
While "Quid" is primarily British, "Shilling" was also used in other countries, but values and contexts varied.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
