bakshish
|bak-shish|
🇺🇸
/bækˈʃiːʃ/
🇬🇧
/bækˈʃɪʃ/
small gift to secure favor
Etymology
'bakshish' originates from Persian, specifically the word 'bakhshish' (بخشش), where the root 'bakhsh-' (from 'bakhshidan') meant 'to give'.
'bakshish' was borrowed into Hindustani/Urdu from Persian as 'bakhshish' and entered English via British India in the early 19th century, becoming 'bakshish' in modern English.
Initially, it meant 'a gift or act of giving' in Persian; over time in English it has come to mean 'a small tip or gratuity' and also 'a small bribe' in certain contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a small tip or gratuity given to someone for a service (often in South Asia and the Middle East).
He left a small bakshish for the porter.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a small bribe or facilitation payment given to expedite or obtain official action.
Local officials demanded a bakshish to process the permit.
Synonyms
Noun 3
a charitable gift or alms given to a poor person or beggar.
She gave bakshish to the beggar outside the shrine.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/03 09:04