The expression “coffee break” was first attested in 1952 in glossy magazine advertisements by the Pan-American Coffee Bureau.
GRATUITY
gratuity
(noun) an award (as for meritorious service) given without claim or obligation
gratuity, tip, pourboire, baksheesh, bakshish, bakshis, backsheesh
(noun) a relatively small amount of money given for services rendered (as by a waiter)
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
gratuity (plural gratuities)
An additional payment given freely as thanks for service.
Euphemistic form of fee, in contexts where such additional payments have been made obligatory.
Euphemistic form of bribe.
Synonyms
• (additional payment offered in thanks): douceur, grace, pourboire, tip; baksheesh (Turkish and Middle Eastern contexts); cumshaw (SE Chinese contexts; archaic); see also gift
• (obligatory fee): service charge; douceur, tip (euphemistic)
• (bribe): bribe
• (additional gift from a vendor): lagniappe
Source: Wiktionary
Gra*tu"i*ty, n.; pl. Gtratuities. Etym: [F. gratuité, or LL. gratuitas.]
1. Something given freely or without recompense; a free gift; a present. Swift.
2. Something voluntarily given in return for a favor or service, as a recompense or acknowledgment.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
Recent Word Finds
Word of the Day
3 May 2025
DESIRABLE
(adjective) worth having or seeking or achieving; “a desirable job”; “computer with many desirable features”; “a desirable outcome”
Coffee Trivia
