lagniappe
Say it: LAN-yap /ˈlænjæp/ · noun
What “lagniappe” means
A small extra gift included with something you buy.
More precisely: A small extra gift given to a customer with a purchase; a bonus.
Example: “The bakery threw in a cookie as a lagniappe.”
When to use it
Use it for a little extra given with a purchase. It is especially associated with Louisiana and sounds unusual in Britain.
Similar words
bonus, freebie, extra
Where it comes from
Louisiana French, from Spanish la ñapa 'the gift', ultimately from Quechua.
Quick check
You buy a bunch of flowers, and the florist adds a small extra rose for free. That extra is…
a refund or a lagniappe?
Show the answer
a lagniappe
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