Cumshaw — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈkəm-ˌshȯ/ cum·shaw

Meaning & Definition of Cumshaw

Cumshaw (noun)

  1. present, gratuity; also, bribe, payoff

Cumshaw (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something given in addition to what is ordinarily expected or owed

    "the clerk at Calcutta airport was clearly angling for a little cumshaw on the side"

    similar: bonus, dividend, donative, extra, gratuity, gravy, gravy train, lagniappe, perk, perquisite, throw-in, tip
    related: pension, bestowal, presentation, benefaction, beneficence, benevolence, bounty, charity, generosity, largesse, philanthropy, contribution, donation, gift, offering, present, grant, subsidy, boon, manna, windfall, favor, freebie, giveaway, premium, award, prize, reward, fringe benefit, icing

  2. something given or promised in order to improperly influence a person's conduct or decision

    "the captain slipped the customs official his customary cumshaw at the Port of Shanghai"

    similar: backhander (British), boodle, bribe, fix, sop
    related: baksheesh, kickback, payoff, slush fund, incentive, incitement, instigation, motivation, provocation, spur, stimulation, stimulus, boost, encouragement, goad, inducement, allurement, bait, enticement, lure, seduction, temptation, turn-on, flattery, persuasion, decoy, snare, trap

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Cumshaw

The most common words with a similar meaning to Cumshaw:

British: backhander
bonus, dividend, donative, extra, gratuity, gravy, gravy train, lagniappe, perk, perquisite, throw-in, tip, boodle, bribe, fix, sop

Related Words for Cumshaw

pension, bestowal, presentation, benefaction, beneficence, benevolence, bounty, charity, generosity, largesse, philanthropy, contribution, donation, gift, offering, present, grant, subsidy, boon, manna, windfall, favor, freebie, giveaway, premium, award, prize, reward, fringe benefit, icing

Origin & Etymology of Cumshaw

Chinese (Xiamen) kam siā grateful thanks

First known use: 1839

Frequently Asked Questions about Cumshaw

What does "Cumshaw" mean?

"Cumshaw" means present, gratuity; also, bribe, payoff. As a noun, it is defined as: present, gratuity; also, bribe, payoff. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Cumshaw"?

Other words for "Cumshaw" include bonus, dividend, donative, extra, gratuity, gravy, gravy train and lagniappe. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Cumshaw" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Cumshaw"?

There are 75 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Cumshaw". Common alternatives include bonus, dividend, donative, extra, gratuity, gravy, gravy train, lagniappe, perk and perquisite.

How do you use "Cumshaw" in a sentence?

Examples of "Cumshaw" in a sentence: "the clerk at Calcutta airport was clearly angling for a little cumshaw on the side"; "the captain slipped the customs official his customary cumshaw at the Port of Shanghai".

Is "Cumshaw" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Cumshaw" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Cumshaw"?

"Cumshaw" is pronounced /ˈkəm-ˌshȯ/ and divided into syllables as cum·shaw.

What is the origin of the word "Cumshaw"?

"Cumshaw" comes from Chinese (Xiamen) kam siā grateful thanks. First known use: 1839.

What is another word for "Cumshaw" meaning "something given in addition to what is ordinarily expected or owed"?

When "Cumshaw" (noun) means something given in addition to what is ordinarily expected or owed, synonyms include bonus, dividend, donative, extra, gratuity and gravy.