Word: Baksheesh

The Word of the Day

for Feb 28 is:
baksheesh \BAK-sheesh\ noun

: payment (as a tip or bribe) to expedite service Example sentence:
The baksheesh that Uncle Jim slipped the maitre d' magically got us the next available table, vanishing the hour-long wait.

Did you know?

"Baksheesh" came into the English language around 1760 and was most likely picked up by British subjects as they traveled abroad. In Asia, English speakers would have heard "baksheesh" used as a word for "gratuity, a present of money, tip" — a meaning they directly adopted. Etymologically speaking, "baksheesh" is from Persian "bakhshīsh," which is also the source of the word "buckshee," meaning "something extra obtained free," "extra rations," or "windfall, gratuity." "Buckshee" is strictly a British English term and is not used in American English. Like "baksheesh," it too is dated circa 1760.

*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.

My sentence:
Despite the generous baksheesh that I gave the airport luggage handler, my suitcases still ended up in a different state than I.

Comments

[Vanessa]

It used to make me prickle with annoyance - I don't like the idea of bribes, or of haggling. I was only ever good at crossing roads imperiously or using my elbows to get to the front of queues. Too middle class and british to quibble about baksheesh.

Actually, written down, it makes me want to say baklava - have you ever eaten that, Cyn? Mmmmmm.

[Cyn]

Hmmm, that's interesting. I'm not an expert as I've little experience where a knowledge of the word, which I've never heard uttered, would be needed. But there's always someday. ;)

[Vanessa]

When I used to spend time in the Middle East, some ten years or so ago, baksheesh meant 'bribe' more than 'tip' in our western sense...?