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    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?

    Question #71289. Asked by hohohaha. (Oct 08 06 3:22 PM)


    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, 3:48 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, 3:54 PM

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