slush fund

noun

1. a sum of money used for illicit or corrupt political purposes, as for buying influence.
2. Nautical. a fund from the sale of slush, refuse fat, etc., spent for any small luxuries.

slush fund

noun

1. a fund for financing political or commercial corruption
2. nautical a fund accumulated from the sale of slush from the galley

slush fund

1. A collection of money by a political official or administration that is used to make payments for various services. Though slush funds may be used for legitimate purposes, such as paying state employees, the term is generally used to describe money that is not properly accounted for and is being used for personal expenses and political payoffs. Money raised for political campaigns has come under increasing public scrutiny to ensure that it is not misused.

Word History and Origins

Origin of slush fund¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Related Words

• graft
• hush money