baksheesh
Noun: A small sum of money given as a tip, gratuity, or alms, especially in parts of Asia and the Middle East. It is often given to service workers or to the poor.
The word "baksheesh" is used to describe a payment, often informal or expected, for a service rendered. It is not a formal wage but a supplementary gift of money. - It is commonly used in the context of travel and tourism in regions where the practice is customary. - It can imply a small bribe or a payment to expedite a service, though its primary meaning is a tip or alms.
- The porter carried our bags to the room, so we gave him some baksheesh.
- In the local market, a small amount of baksheesh might be expected for extra help.
- He distributed baksheesh to the children begging on the street.
- The concept of baksheesh can extend beyond a simple tip to include charitable giving or a token payment for minor, unofficial assistance.
- In some contexts, it can blur the line between a courteous gratuity and a petty bribe to influence a low-level official's actions.
- Bakshish: An alternate spelling of the same word.
- Tip (noun/verb): A more common, general English term for a small gift of money for service.
- Gratuity (noun): A more formal term for a tip.
- Alms (noun): Money or food given to poor people, often as charity, which overlaps with one sense of "baksheesh."
- Tip
- Gratuity
- Perquisite (often shortened to "perk")
- Largess (a generous gift, often of money)
While "baksheesh" itself is not typically part of English idioms, the practice it describes is often referred to in travel writing with phrases like: - "To offer baksheesh" - "To expect baksheesh" - "A culture of baksheesh"
- a relatively small amount of money given for services rendered (as by a waiter)