'tip' originates from Middle English, specifically the verb 'tippen' or the noun 'tipp(e)', where the original sense was related to striking, touching lightly, or a small point.

'tip' changed from Middle English 'tippen'/'tipp(e)' (meaning to strike lightly or a small point) into Early Modern English 'tip' and developed multiple senses (point, small amount of money, advice).

Initially it meant 'to strike lightly' or 'a small point'; over time it evolved into additional senses such as 'the pointed end', 'a small piece of advice', and the later sense 'a small gratuity'.