'bakshaish' originates from Persian, specifically the word 'bakhshish', where the root 'bakhsh-' meant 'to give' or 'a gift'.

'bakshaish' entered English via Urdu and Arabic forms of Persian 'bakhshish' (e.g. Urdu bakhshish); the term appeared in English travel and colonial writings and eventually became 'baksheesh'/'bakshaish'.

Initially it meant 'a gift or act of giving' in Persian, but over time in English it has come to mean specifically a small payment, tip, or bribe used to obtain favor or speed up services.