Word of the Day: quid quo pro

Quid quo pro (noun) kwid-proh-KWOH

Definition

: something given or received for something else; also : a deal arranging such an exchange

Examples

“PA officials say they have no evidence [the employees] engaged in a quid quo pro, in which they green-light the PA’s purchase of wasteful insurance policies in return for the gifts or considerations, but rather suspect they turned a blind eye to their responsibilities.” — Philip Messing, The New York Post, 26 July 2013

“On the face of it, Canada’s agreement to enter into talks on an extradition treaty looks a lot like a quid pro quo for the welcome release of Kevin Garratt, the Canadian missionary imprisoned on trumped-up espionage charges.” — The Toronto Star, 23 Sept. 2016

Did You Know?

In the early 16th century, a quid pro quo was something obtained from an apothecary. That’s because when quid pro quo (New Latin for “something for something”) was first used in English, it referred to the process of substituting one medicine for another—whether intentionally (and sometimes fraudulently) or accidentally. The meaning of the phrase was quickly extended, however, and within several decades it was being used for more general equivalent exchanges. These days, it often occurs in legal contexts.

My Take

For me, this is a common word, one in the forefront of my vocabulary. However, it is not a word that I commonly use. A paradox you say?

Every job I’ve had since the nineties has sent me to workplace training. Usually, this training occurs within the first month of my employment. It’s a mandatory training and most often included several hours on workplace harassment. A big topic of this training is ‘Quid Pro Quo.’

It happens everywhere, but here in the U.S., it is frowned on between co-workers. Not that it doesn’t happen. It does, but when advances are not wanted or are hostile in nature, the consequences are significant.

Say, for example; a boss intends to sleep with a subordinate. In compensation for nights of sex, the boss promotes or gives a raise to the subordinate. That is ‘Quid Pro Quo.’

The same goes for this situation outside the workplace. A guy buys a beautiful girl a drink at a bar. After several drinks or even dinner, he might expect to take her home and have sex with her. Even if she willingly goes with him, it’s ‘Quid Pro Quo.’

How about a lobbyist in Washington D.C. passing a bribe to an official in exchange for a favor. ‘Quid Pro Quo.’ Or how about this situation. A shop owner pays protection to a mob or gang in exchange for peace of mind that their store won’t be vandalized. How about when you give a friend a case of beer to help you pack up your stuff and move it to a new home? You’re catching on. ‘Quid Pro Quo.’

I had fun looking for images related to this word. Literally, everyone seems to know about it, and there were many interesting pics that I had to filter. I hope you like the ones I chose, as well as the sexy bonus pic you will get if you share this post via Twitter.

I love learning the different contexts of these words of the day. Don’t you? Please share your comments. I’m sure we would all like to read them.

Have a great day.

A sexy bonus picture is available by sharing this post on Twitter. My gift to you for sharing.

Brought to you by Merriam-Webster, Word of the Day.