Definition of Quid Pro Quo

The expression Latin quid pro quo is used in those situations in which someone indicates that there is a exchange, that is, something is given in exchange for something. In other words, that there is a reciprocity that benefits both parties, since one does or says something and at the same time receives a counterpart from the other.

Quid pro quo is used as an exchange proposal or a pact, in such a way that the initiative of giving and then receiving is suggested. While this is the meaning in the language everyday, the original meaning of this Latinism is different, since it alludes to a grammatical confusion between two people, a mistake in the communication. More specifically, quid pro quo was used as a play on words related to the grammatical confusions that sometimes occur in communication.

The paradox of its meaning

In this way, quid pro quo reminds us of a curious phenomenon of language: the primitive meaning of an expression can evolve and acquire a new meaning. Consequently, we are faced with a paradox, since if someone uses this expression in its sense literal and genuine it is very likely that it will not be understood, but if you use it "improperly" it will be understood.

Pacts, negotiations and agreements

The phrase quid pro quo in its most common sense reminds us that people are constantly negotiating. We reached agreements in the field labor, in the couple or among friends. To reach a pact it is necessary to find a Balance that is not always easy to achieve and the quid pro quo provides a strategy interesting in any negotiation: it is not possible to receive without first having given something.

Quid pro quo Latinism, an example of the validity of Latin in communication

Latinisms are words or expressions in Latin that continue to be used in written and oral language. They are cultisms and are generally used in academic contexts and among people of a certain level cultural. Despite this, there are many Latinisms fully incorporated into the cultural heritage. Thus, when we look for a job we present our curriculum vitae, if we talk about economic losses we will say that we have a deficit and if we want to indicate that someone is very vain we will say that he has a lot ego.

The current use of Latinisms reveals another paradox of language, since it is commonly said that Latin is a language dead and not worth studying but, at the same time, is still alive among us.

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