Comps

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A collection of items or components used together for a specific purpose
2. A shorthand term for comparative assessments or evaluations in various contexts
3. Informal reference to complementary objects or the action of compiling things into a set

Etymology: "Comps" is the plural of "comp", and the singular is a clipping of "complimentary," as in a complimentary ticket given free to a performance, hotel room, or event. The "complimentary" in question is the older sense of "compliment" as a courtesy or gift, so a comp is literally a free gift offered as a mark of goodwill. The clipping reflects a common habit in English of shortening long adjectives and nouns for everyday speech, the same process that gave us "fridge" and "exam." Once "comp" was established, its plural "comps" followed ordinary English pluralization, and the word became common in the trade slang of theatres, airlines, and hotels, where giving away free seats or rooms is routine.

Synonyms: comparisons, completions, competitions