cumshaw
Sailor's informal gratuity
Cumshaw is a gift, tip, or bribe—especially in Asian ports or military contexts.
The word entered English through pidgin Chinese, originally meaning a gratuity given to dock workers or servants.
In military slang, particularly Navy usage, cumshaw refers to something obtained through unofficial channels or creative scrounging: He cumshawed the parts we needed from another unit.
The word suggests acquisition outside normal procedures, whether through barter, favor-trading, or minor corruption.
Gift or current moment
- gratuityPayment beyond the bill
- tipEnd or gratuity
- bonusReward beyond expectation
- freebieItem given gratis
handout · giveaway · favor · perk · windfall · donation · offering · bestowal
Gratuity or small bribe
- kickbackIllegal payment for services
- payoffCulminating benefit received
- graftIllicit political gain
- greaseThick oily lubricant
inducement · sweetener · backhander · hush money · palm-greasing · under-the-table · shakedown · sleaze
Seafaring crew member
- navyMaritime military force
- pidginImprovised contact language
- shipboardOn a vessel
- quartermasterOfficer managing military supplies
mess · provisioning · seafaring · merchantman · galley · shore leave · dockside · squeeze
present
Gift or current moment
freebie · handout · giveaway · favor · perk · windfall · donation · offering · bestowal · reward
baksheesh
Gratuity or small bribe
grease · inducement · sweetener · backhander · hush money · palm-greasing · under-the-table · shakedown · sleaze · corruption
sailor
Seafaring crew member
quartermaster · mess · provisioning · seafaring · merchantman · galley · shore leave · dockside · squeeze
cumshawsalary
Fixed periodic employment payment
wages · legal fee · stipend · paycheck · scheduled payment
cumshawobligation
Required task or commitment
debt repayment · dues · invoice payment · tax · levy