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Glite Dictionary
baksheesh

baksheesh

1 9.9
A small amount of money given to someone for help or to get faster service
  • noun
  • /bækˈʃiːʃ/
  • UK
translation icon : propina
  • In many markets, you often need to give a baksheesh to ensure prompt service from the vendors.

Examples

  • I mean, a little baksheesh to customs now and then, but it's legal.

    TransSiberian (2008)

  • After our tour of the city, I handed the guide a small baksheesh for his excellent service.

  • I mean, they call it baksheesh over there.

    The Formula (1980)

  • Will you write out the check and give me my baksheesh now?

    Fiction book (1995)

  • Or how much baksheesh do I have to pay the police?

    Fiction book (1992)

  • And we keep the baksheesh.

    Fiction book (1998)

  • The baksheesh is supposed to discourage this.

    Blog text (2)

  • Cairo can leave one feeling punchy, even stabby, and ready to shell out baksheesh by the bucketload.

    Blog text (22)

  • The travelers were advised to carry some baksheesh for tips during their stay in the foreign country.

Synonyms

tip
vsbaksheesh
185 1.0

A small amount of money given for a service

is the same action but tied to regional traditions and phrasing
gratuity
vsbaksheesh
16 6.3

Extra money you give to someone for good service

is similar but specifically used as a small service tip in those regions
bakshis
vsbaksheesh
  • Indian
9.9

A small amount of money given as a tip for service, often in Middle Eastern or South Asian countries

is the same idea but named differently in other regions
bakshish
vsbaksheesh
  • UK
9.9

A small extra amount of money given to someone as a tip, often in South Asia

is the same small payment word used more broadly in Middle Eastern contexts
backsheesh
vsbaksheesh
  • UK
9.9

A small tip given to someone for good service

is the regional form used especially in South Asian speech
pourboire
vsbaksheesh
  • Canadian
9.9

A small amount of money you leave to thank someone for a service, like a waiter

is broader, covering many service types beyond dining in those regions

How Big

reward
601 1.3
baksheesh
  • UK
1 9.9

Surface Forms

baksheesh singular
baksheeshes plural

Etymology

The word baksheesh comes from an old Persian word bakhshish meaning 'gift'. Today baksheesh is used in South Asia and the Middle East for a small money 'tip' you give for a service, so the origin explains its meaning as a little gift or payment.