backshish
|back-shish|
🇺🇸
/ˈbækʃɪʃ/
🇬🇧
/bækˈʃiːʃ/
small paid gift to gain favor
Etymology
'backshish' originates from Persian, specifically the word 'bakhshish' (بخشش), and is also attested in Urdu and Arabic as 'bakhshīsh' or similar forms.
'bakhshish' entered English in the 19th century via contacts with South Asia and the Ottoman world (through Urdu, Turkish and Arabic); early English forms included 'baksheesh' and 'backsheesh', and the variant 'backshish' later appeared in English.
Initially it meant 'gift' or 'alms' in Persian/Urdu, but in English the sense narrowed/shifted to mean a 'bribe' or a small 'tip' paid to obtain or hasten a favor.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a bribe, especially a small sum given to speed up or facilitate official actions.
They were accused of accepting backshish to overlook safety violations.
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Noun 2
a tip or small gift given as a token of gratitude or to secure service (often used of gifts in Middle Eastern or South Asian contexts).
During the trip he left a small backshish for the porter.
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Last updated: 2025/12/27 05:20