Lagniappe
What it means
A small extra given freely beyond the expected purchase or exchange.
Reach for it when naming a warm bonus, especially in Gulf Coast or Louisiana contexts
The fruit seller tucked in two figs as a lagniappe for the children.
Words to choose between 6
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm |
|
| professional | |
| formal |
-
playful
Fits when informal promotional speech suits a free item
Careful Freebie can sound cheap or commercial, unlike a gracious lagniappe.
-
everyday
Fits when a familiar general word for something extra is best
Careful Bonus may be earned, contractual, or large rather than a small gift.
-
everyday
extra
Fits when plain language matters more than regional flavor
Careful Extra does not convey generosity or gift-giving.
-
warm
Fits when the relationship and generosity matter more than the transaction
Careful A gift need not arrive in addition to something already expected.
-
professional
Fits when an added employment or membership benefit is meant
Careful Perk is ongoing or institutional rather than a small surprise.
-
formal
gratuity
Fits when a payment offered beyond the charge is the exact idea
Careful Gratuity usually goes from customer to worker, reversing the lagniappe direction.
Opposites 3
- surcharge
- shortfall
- deduction
Common phrases 3
-
little lagniappe
The potter included a little lagniappe of matching clay beads.
-
as a lagniappe
As a lagniappe, the guide shared a map of quiet swimming spots.
-
traditional lagniappe
A traditional lagniappe accompanied each market purchase that morning.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated