bakshishes
|bak-shish-es|
/bækˈʃiːʃɪz/
(bakshish)
small gift to secure favor
Etymology
'bakshish' originates from Persian, specifically the word 'bakhshesh' (Persian: بخشش), where 'bakhsh-' meant 'to give' or 'a gift'.
'bakshish' entered English via Urdu/Hindi 'bakhshish' during the 18th–19th century after contact between English speakers and South/Central Asia; the Persian 'bakhshesh' (and related verbs like 'bakhshidan') is the older source.
Initially it meant 'a gift or act of giving', but over time it evolved in English to mean 'a small payment or tip' and in some usages 'a bribe'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'bakshish'. Small gifts, tips, or payments given to secure a favor or speed a service; can also imply a bribe in some contexts.
Tourists often leave bakshishes for hotel staff and porters to ensure prompt service.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/03 09:32