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

Example Sentences

Or how conservatives perennially push to defund or undercut services for the disabled, such as when former mayor Rudy Giuliani tapped New York City’s Office for People with Disabilities, as a slush fund to cover unauthorized travel expenses.

From Salon

The county has sued the foundation, accusing it of using the Fire Department’s logo and lifesaving work to collect donations and then operating a personal “slush fund.”

From Los Angeles Times

The department said the payments were funded by a slush fund the executives created by inflating the cost of the voting machines.

From Los Angeles Times

They accuse the industry of helping Trump funnel campaign donations into “a slush fund to pay his legal fees,” and of being willing partners in an exchange of “campaign cash for policy changes.”

From Salon

“Instead of looking out for shareholders, the defendant allegedly treated the company as his personal slush fund, in violation of federal law,” U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• graft
• hush money