Wouldn't be dead for quids.

Posted by James Briggs on December 24, 2004

In Reply to: Wouldn't be dead for quids. posted by acko on December 24, 2004

: I keep hearing this phrase especially from English gentlemen during casual chats. What does this mean?

It's rather loose speak, intended to mean something like 'I woukdn't be dead for anything', or 'I wouldn't be dead for all the tea in China'. A 'quid' is a vernacular word for a pound sterling, the UK currency. 'Quid' is widely used by all walks of life and has no social preferences. No one knows wher the word 'quid' came from, but the best bet is that it is derived from the L*tin 'quid pro quo'.

• Wouldn't be dead for quids. WITHNAIL 20/January/05