What Is a Nicker in Money?

A 'nicker' means £1 in British slang. So "fifty nicker" is £50 and "a nicker" is a single pound.

It is an old but still-heard word for the pound, sitting alongside "quid".

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Key Takeaways

• A nicker is £1, the same value as a quid.
• The word stays singular after a number: people say "twenty nicker", not "twenty nickers".
• It is informal and slightly old-fashioned, but still understood across the UK.
• Its exact origin is uncertain, though it has been in use since the early 20th century.

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Where Does 'Nicker' Come From?

The origin of "nicker" is not settled. It appeared in British slang in the early 1900s as a word for the pound.

Some link it loosely to "nickel", the metal used in coins, though the connection is unproven. What is clear is that it has meant £1 for over a century.

How People Use 'Nicker'

You will hear it with small everyday amounts and rough prices.

For example: "It cost me thirty nicker" or "Lend us a nicker." Like "grand" and "quid", it stays singular after a number.

A Nicker Versus a Quid

Both mean £1 and are used the same way. "Quid" is far more common today and understood everywhere.

"Nicker" has an older, more colourful feel. To learn where the pound's most popular nickname comes from, see why it is called a quid.

For larger amounts, a ton is £100 and a score is £20. A fuller list is in our Cockney slang for money guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a nicker the same as a quid?

Yes. Both mean £1, so "ten nicker" and "ten quid" are the same amount.

Does "nicker" ever mean more than £1?

No. In standard UK usage a nicker is always £1, with multiples scaling up from there.

Why does "nicker" not take an "s"?

Like "quid" and "grand", it stays singular in counting phrases, so "five nicker" is correct.

Is "nicker" still used today?

It is heard less than "quid" and sounds a little dated, but many people still recognise it.

A light guide to British money slang.