Quid vs Shilling: British Currency Explained
A quid is casual slang for one pound sterling; a shilling was an old coin worth one-twentieth of that pound, phased out long ago.
People mix them up because period dramas and novels still mention shillings, making the past feel close. Meanwhile, “quid” sounds antique, so newcomers assume it, too, is obsolete. One is living slang, the other a ghost unit.
Key Differences
Quid is spoken today for pounds in everyday trade. Shilling survives only in stories, antiques, and curiosity shops, its value now carried by modern coins.
Which One Should You Choose?
Use “quid” for any present-day price. Reserve “shilling” for historical flavor or collectible talk, never for actual payments.
Examples and Daily Life
At a London food truck, you’ll pay “five quid” for a burger. You won’t pay in shillings, but you might see an old coin labeled “one shilling” at a weekend market.
Is “quid” plural?
Yes. You say “ten quid,” not “quids,” unless you’re joking.
Can I still spend a shilling?
No. Banks and shops stopped accepting them decades ago.
Why do period dramas use shillings?
It adds authentic period flavor without confusing modern viewers.