World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesCumshaw
/ˈkʌm.ʃɔː/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
A present, tip, gratuity, or bribe given for a service or favor.
"The local merchants offered a small cumshaw to ensure the cargo was unloaded without delay." - 2
Goods or materials obtained free of charge or through illicit channels.
"The sailors managed to pick up some extra paint as cumshaw from the dockyard."
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the Chinese (Xiamen/Amoy dialect) phrase 'kam-sia', meaning 'thank you' (grateful thanks). It entered English in the mid-19th century through trade and maritime contact in Chinese ports, initially referring to a gratuity, tip, or present, and later broadening to mean illicit or free goods, favors, or bribery.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Cumshaw"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Cumshaw" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
pourboire
Transliteration: poor-bwahr
"Il a donné un petit pourboire pour le service."
Trinkgeld
Transliteration: trink-gelt
"Er gab dem Kellner ein großzügiges Trinkgeld."
mancia
Transliteration: mahn-chah
"Lasciare la mancia è un segno di apprezzamento."
propina
Transliteration: pro-pee-nah
"Dejó una buena propina en la mesa."
gorjeta
Transliteration: gor-zheh-tah
"Ele deu uma gorjeta ao entregador."
बख्शीश
Transliteration: bakshish
"उसने वेटर को अच्छी बख्शीश दी।"
小费
Transliteration: xiǎofèi
"顾客给了服务员一些小费。"
팁
Transliteration: tip
"그는 택시 기사에게 팁을 주었다."
心づけ
Transliteration: kokorozuke
"仲居さんに心づけを渡した。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsA remote establishment set up in a frontier region for the purpose of buying, selling, or bartering goods.
An alcoholic drink taken before a meal to stimulate the appetite.
An educational institution that provides instruction based on Islamic principles, often combining standard academic subjects with religious studies.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Cumshaw"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.