posted on Oct, 26 2009 @ 06:34 PM
baksheesh
A gratuity, tip, or bribe paid to expedite service, especially in some Near Eastern countries.
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[Persian bakhshish, present, from Middle Persian bakhshishn, from bakhshdan, bakhsh-, to give presents, from Avestan bakhsh-; see bhag- in
Indo-European roots.]
in Egypt, India, etc., a tip, a gratuity, or alms
Etymology: prob. via Ar baqshīsh or Anglo-Ind bucksheesh < Pers baḫšiš < baḫšīdan, to give; akin to Sans bhájah, (he) allots: see
-phagous
It has been around as long as someone had something you wanted or needed done. Our congress does it, the ancient Chinese did it, it is a way of life
in parts of the world. 10% used to be a good tip. 20% or more is expected now.