Baksheesh

Baksheesh (also spelled bakshish, baksheesh, or bakshīsh) is a Persian, Urdu, and Hindi word meaning a tip, gratuity, or bribe. It typically refers to a small payment given for a service, similar to a tip in Western cultures. However, its application can range from a legitimate reward for good service to an unofficial payment demanded to expedite a process or avoid obstacles. The practice of baksheesh is common in many parts of the Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa, and its cultural acceptance varies depending on the context. While sometimes a gesture of goodwill, baksheesh can also be perceived as a form of corruption, particularly when used to bypass official procedures.

Baksheesh meaning with examples

• After the porter carried our luggage to the hotel room, we offered him a small baksheesh as a thank you for his help. It's customary in this region. He smiled and thanked us graciously, making the whole experience more pleasant. We felt good about showing our appreciation. Everyone likes to feel valued.
• Navigating the bureaucratic process at the visa office was proving difficult until a local suggested offering a little baksheesh. The situation seemed hopeless but this was a way to get the wheels moving. We felt uncertain. It sped up the process considerably.
• The tour guide subtly hinted that a small baksheesh would be appreciated if we wanted access to the 'special' viewpoints, so we obliged. We were initially uncomfortable with it. The view turned out to be beautiful.
• In some marketplaces, vendors expect a baksheesh for even the simplest interactions, such as finding an item or providing directions. This practice made us a little anxious, as we were unsure about the price.
• While we were at the border we had to give the official baksheesh so we could pass through. We did not like this because it was not ethical but the circumstances were pressing.