The Latin expression quid pro quo is used in those situations in which someone indicates that there is an 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. Although this is the meaning in everyday language, the original meaning of this Latinism is different, since it alludes to a grammatical confusion between two people, a mistake in 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 literal and genuine sense, it is very likely that they will not be understood, but if they use it "improperly" they 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 reach agreements in the workplace, with our partner 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 an interesting strategy 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 cultural level. 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 they have a lot of ego.
The current use of Latinisms reveals another paradox of language, since it is commonly said that Latin is a dead language and that it is not worth studying but, at the same time, it is still alive among us.
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