lagniappe

American  

[lan-yap, lan-yap] / lænˈyæp, ˈlæn yæp /

Or lagnappe

noun

1. Chiefly Southern Louisiana and Southeast Texas. a small gift given with a purchase to a customer, by way of compliment or for good measure; bonus.

2. a gratuity or tip.

3. an unexpected or indirect benefit.

---

lagniappe British  

/ lænˈjæp, ˈlænjæp /

noun

1. a small gift, esp one given to a customer who makes a purchase

2. something given or obtained as a gratuity or bonus

---

Etymology

Origin of lagniappe

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50; from Louisiana French, from Latin American Spanish la ñapa, la yapa “the addition,” equivalent to la feminine definite article + ñapa, yapa from from Quechua, yapa “that which is added”

Example Sentences

They also come with their tops still attached, a lagniappe of extra herbs that give you the best two-for-one deal at the markets.

From Los Angeles Times

The author, a nationally recognized pie maven, closes with a lagniappe of life wisdom that will resonate with cooks of her age.

From Washington Post

Aaron’s is “lagniappe,” meaning “a little something extra,” he said.

From Washington Post

The free ticket is lagniappe; her attraction to ushering is membership in a community of kindred spirits.

From New York Times

A little scoop of honey-vanilla ice cream on the side is a lagniappe, and a fine one.

From Seattle Times