lagniappe

Definition

An extra or unexpected gift or benefit, such as that given to customers when they purchase something.

Etymology

From Cajun French lagniappe, from Spanish la ñapa, a variant of yapa (“small gift or additional quantity given to a valued customer”), from Quechua yapa (“addition, increase, supplement; lagniappe”), yapay (“to add, to increase”).

Example Sentences

• "Lefe had been successful, and was supposed to have amassed quite a "pile," which he was very loth indeed to part with; and when he lost, if the money were not absolutely staked, would usually put off the winner with some old horse that he had fixed up for sale, or a dubious note that he had received as "lanyappe," (Anglice, boot money.)"
• "Lanyap. Something over and above. Louisiana."
• "We have a custom here among children (and one often sought to be made availing by some of larger growth), that when anything is purchased, a Lagnappe (something thrown in), is expected, and demanded as a right. And since "Jesus died and paid it all, / All the debt we owe." […] may not He claim for His Lagnappe, on the resurrection morn, these living gems [children], who wait "to be clothed upon with their house which is from Heaven?""