Correct spelling for the English word "called quits" is [kˈɔːld kwˈɪts], [kˈɔːld kwˈɪts], [k_ˈɔː_l_d k_w_ˈɪ_t_s] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
"Called it quits" is a colloquial expression that is commonly used to describe a situation where someone decides to end or cease a particular activity, task, project, or relationship. This phrase is often used when individuals or groups have been working together on something for a certain period of time but decide that it is no longer worth continuing or that it has become unproductive or unbeneficial.
When someone or a group "calls it quits," they are essentially declaring that they are no longer willing to continue their involvement or investment in a specific endeavor, often indicating a willingness to accept the current state as the final outcome. This could occur due to various reasons such as lack of progress, conflicts, financial constraints, or changes in priorities or circumstances.
For example, in a work setting, if two colleagues have been collaborating on a project but find that it is no longer viable or fruitful, they may decide to "call it quits" and discontinue their joint effort. Similarly, in a personal relationship, partners could decide to "call it quits" when they believe that their relationship is no longer fulfilling or that they are incompatible.
Overall, "called it quits" is an idiomatic expression that signifies the decision to end or terminate a specific activity, task, project, or relationship due to various reasons, marking the acceptance of the current state as the final outcome.
The phrase "called quits" derives from various sources.
The word "quits" itself has a complex etymology. It originally stems from the Latin word "quietus", meaning "at rest". In Medieval Latin, the term evolved to "quietus est", which signifies "he is quit" or "he is released". This Latin phrase was commonly used in legal documents, indicating that a person's debts or obligations had been fulfilled, thus releasing them from further responsibilities.
Over time, "quits" developed into an English expression, used colloquially to mean being even or equal in a situation. Thus, when someone declares something as "quits", they are declaring a state of equality or fairness.
When people assert that they have "called quits" with someone or something, they are proclaiming an end to a conflict or disagreement, effectively agreeing to an equitable resolution or mutually acceptable terms.