Lagniappe: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
lagniappe
[ หlรฆษก.njรฆp ]
cultural term
Lagniappe is a term used in Louisiana Creole and Cajun culture to describe a little extra gift or bonus that is given to a customer by a seller, often in markets or shops. It reflects the idea of generosity and graciousness in social exchanges. This practice can be seen as a form of hospitality, making the experience more enjoyable.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- When I bought a dozen donuts, the baker gave me a lagniappe of an extra donut.
- At the restaurant, our waiter surprised us with a lagniappe of dessert on the house.
- The local farmer included a lagniappe of fresh herbs with our vegetable purchase.
Translations
Translations of the word "lagniappe" in other languages:
๐ต๐น lagniappe
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฒเฅเคเฅเคจเฅเคช
๐ฉ๐ช Lagniappe
๐ฎ๐ฉ lagniappe
๐บ๐ฆ ะปะฐะณะฝัะฐะฟ
๐ต๐ฑ lagniappe
๐ฏ๐ต ใฉใฐใใฃใใ
๐ซ๐ท lagniappe
๐ช๐ธ lagniappe
๐น๐ท lagniappe
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ผ๊ทธ๋์
๐ธ๐ฆ ูุงุฌููุงุจ
๐จ๐ฟ lagniappe
๐ธ๐ฐ lagniappe
๐จ๐ณ ๆๆ ผๅฐผไบๆฎ
๐ธ๐ฎ lagniappe
๐ฎ๐ธ lagniappe
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะปะฐะณะฝะธะฐะฟ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ lagniappe
๐ฒ๐ฝ lagniappe
Etymology
The word 'lagniappe' originates from the Louisiana Creole and Cajun culture, deriving from the Spanish word 'la รฑapa,' which means 'the gift.' 'La รฑapa' itself comes from the Quechua word 'รฑawi' meaning 'to give' or 'to offer.' The term entered American English through the influence of Louisiana's diverse cultural heritage, which includes elements of French, Spanish, Caribbean, and Indigenous peoples. It is often used in the context of commerce in Louisiana, where merchants would give a little extra to customers as a gesture of goodwill and to foster customer loyalty. This cultural practice of providing lagniappe has become a charming aspect of Southern hospitality, signifying abundance and friendliness in customer relationships.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #41,721, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.