Pourboire

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A gratuity or tip given to a service worker as a gift or gesture of appreciation for their assistance
2. A voluntary monetary gift presented to service staff as thanks for their attentive work
3. Money offered voluntarily to service employees to acknowledge their good service

Etymology: French "pourboire" is literally "for drink," from "pour" (for) and "boire" (to drink). The idea is an old one: a small sum handed over beyond the price of a service, originally so that the recipient could buy a drink. The English word was borrowed directly from French, so it kept its original sense of a tip for servants and staff. The surprise is how little the French form has changed. Its two parts are ordinary, everyday French words, and together they describe the purpose of the payment rather than the service being paid for. English speakers borrowed it as a ready-made term for the practice, which is why it sounds more formal than "tip" or "gratuity."