What is the origin of the word "quid" for a British pound, and what is the origin of the word "buck" for an American dollar?

Brainyblonde

The slang money expression 'quid' seems first to have appeared in late 1600's England, derived from Latin (quid meaning 'what', as in 'quid pro quo' - 'something for something else'). Other intriguing possible origins/influences include a suggested connection with the highly secretive Quidhampton banknote paper-mill, and the term quid as applied (ack D Murray) to chewing tobacco, which are explained in more detail under quid in the cliches, words and slang page. http://www.businessballs.com/moneyslanghistory.htm Oct 08 06, 4:48 PM

Brainyblonde

The word buck—possibly an abbreviation from "buckskin", an intrinsic "currency" for trade with American Indians known since 1746—has been recorded since 1856 and is widely used as a synonym for the dollars of many countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dollar Oct 08 06, 4:54 PM

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From where came the American dollar sign and the British pound sign? Why do American people refer to money as "buck" instead of "dollar"? How much is a 'pound' compared to the American dollar and what would 500 pounds a year be equivalent to in the 1800's? Where did the word Yank come from to mean an American?

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