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baksheesh

noun
bak·​sheesh | \ ˈbak-ËŒshÄ“sh How to pronounce baksheesh (audio) , bak-ˈshÄ“sh\

Definition of baksheesh

: payment (such as a tip or bribe) to expedite service
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Did You Know?

Baksheesh came into the English language around 1686 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 meaning "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.

Examples of baksheesh in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 In Cairo baksheesh is the simplest way to cut through the airport’s tangle of red tape. — The Economist, "How airports explain the Arab world," 29 June 2019 Mr. Trump was a chieftain demonstrating his potency with a flourish of baksheesh. — James Poniewozik, New York Times, "With Trump Water, Wine and Steak, Is It Primary Night or an Infomercial?," 9 Mar. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'baksheesh.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of baksheesh

1686, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for baksheesh

Persian bakhshīsh, from bakhshīdan to give; akin to Greek phagein to eat, Sanskrit bhajati he allots

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Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with baksheesh

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