What is quid? How to use in English

The Latin word "quid" translates to "what" in English. It originally meant "how much?" or "what quantity?" when used as a question word. The word's origins can be traced back to the ancient Roman language, where it was commonly used in legal and administrative documents as well as in philosophical and literary texts. In legal contexts, "quid" was often used in negotiations and contracts to specify the quantity or amount of goods or services being traded. It was also used in legal disputes to clarify the exact extent of a person's debt or obligation. In philosophy and literature, "quid" was employed to elicit deeper insights and understanding about the nature of existence and reality. For example, the philosopher Seneca used the phrase "quid ergo?" ("What then?") in his writings to encourage further reflection and contemplation. Over time, the use of "quid" evolved in English, and it eventually became a more general interrogative pronoun with a broader range of meanings. In modern English, "quid" is chiefly used as a slang term meaning "money" or as a regional expression in certain British dialects to refer to a cigarette. It is also occasionally used as a scientific term in chemistry to describe a portion or quantity of a substance. In summary, the word "quid" has a rich historical and cultural backstory in Latin, and its legacy continues to influence the English language despite its more limited contemporary usage.