cumshaw

/ˈkʌm.ʃɔː/ Chinese Origin Culture

Original Word

感谢

Amoy Hokkien (kám-siā)

Entered English

19th century

First recorded usage in English

The Story Behind "cumshaw"

From Amoy Hokkien 'kám-siā' (感谢), literally 'grateful thanks'. Originally used by Western sailors in Chinese ports, the word evolved to mean a tip, bribe, or small gift.

Example Usage

"The sailors gave the dockworker a small cumshaw for helping with their luggage."

All Chinese Loanwords Look Up in Dictionary

More Chinese Loanwords

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