Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

tea-money

Noun
/ˈtiː ˈmʌni/
Definition
A small amount of money received or given as a bribe, typically to facilitate a service or expedite a process.
Examples
  • After the meeting, he handed the clerk some tea-money for his help.
  • In some cultures, tea-money is a common practice to ensure faster service.
Meaning
Tea-money often refers to a payment made casually or unofficially, often in a social context, to smooth out interactions or encourage cooperation.
Synonyms
  • bribe
  • grease
  • kickback
  • incentive