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Where does the word "quid pro quo" come from? It comes from Latin quid pro quo, and was adopted directly into English (1560s).
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Where does the word "quid pro quo" come from? It comes from Latin quid pro quo, and was adopted directly into English (1560s).
Quid pro quo’s story begins in Latin: quid pro quo meant “something for something.” Literally something for something, originally used by apothecaries for substituting one medicine for another. It reached English by 1560s as quid pro quo. Settled as the phrase for an equal exchange or favor for favor. Today, quid pro quo means a favor or advantage given in return for something of equal value.
- Stage 1 · Latin · medieval quid pro quo "something for something", literally something for something, originally used by apothecaries for substituting one medicine for another.
- Stage 2 · English · 1560s quid pro quo "a favor or advantage exchanged for another", settled as the phrase for an equal exchange or favor for favor.