backhander 🔊
Meaning of backhander
A backhander refers to a bribe or an illicit payment made discreetly, often in cash, to influence someone's actions or decisions unfairly.
Key Difference
Unlike general terms like 'bribe,' a backhander specifically implies a secretive or underhanded transaction, often with a connotation of being handed physically (like cash slipped into a handshake).
Example of backhander
- The contractor was caught giving a backhander to the city official to secure the construction permit.
- In some industries, backhanders are unfortunately seen as a normal part of doing business.
Synonyms
bribe 🔊
Meaning of bribe
Money or favor given to someone in power to influence their actions dishonestly.
Key Difference
While 'bribe' is a broad term, 'backhander' suggests a more covert or informal method of giving.
Example of bribe
- The politician was arrested for accepting a bribe to pass favorable legislation.
- Parents sometimes jokingly say their kids try to bribe them with hugs for extra screen time.
kickback 🔊
Meaning of kickback
A return of a portion of money paid, often as part of a corrupt deal.
Key Difference
A kickback is usually a percentage returned after a transaction, while a backhander is given upfront.
Example of kickback
- The company was fined for arranging kickbacks to secure government contracts.
- Some salespeople receive kickbacks for promoting specific products.
grease money 🔊
Meaning of grease money
Small bribes paid to expedite services or bypass bureaucracy.
Key Difference
Grease money is often for minor facilitation, whereas a backhander can involve larger sums or significant influence.
Example of grease money
- Travelers in some countries are asked for grease money to speed up customs clearance.
- Paying grease money to get a faster connection for utilities is sadly common in some places.
payoff 🔊
Meaning of payoff
A payment made to someone to prevent them from exposing wrongdoing or to secure a favor.
Key Difference
A payoff is often to silence someone, while a backhander is to actively influence a decision.
Example of payoff
- The scandal involved a massive payoff to keep the whistleblower quiet.
- In old gangster movies, the mob would give payoffs to the police.
sweetener 🔊
Meaning of sweetener
An extra incentive offered to persuade someone, sometimes unethically.
Key Difference
A sweetener can be legal (like a bonus), while a backhander is always illicit.
Example of sweetener
- The real estate agent added a sweetener by offering free furniture to close the deal.
- Some lobbyists use 'consulting fees' as sweeteners to sway politicians.
hush money 🔊
Meaning of hush money
Payment made to ensure silence about a secret or crime.
Key Difference
Hush money is specifically for concealment, unlike a backhander, which is for influence.
Example of hush money
- The celebrity paid hush money to suppress a damaging story.
- Hush money was a common tactic during political scandals in the 20th century.
bung 🔊
Meaning of bung
A slang term for a bribe, often used in British English.
Key Difference
Bung is more colloquial and less specific about the method compared to 'backhander.'
Example of bung
- The football manager was accused of taking a bung to transfer certain players.
- In some circles, a bung is just called 'doing business.'
inducement 🔊
Meaning of inducement
Something offered to persuade someone, which can be legal or illegal.
Key Difference
An inducement isn’t always unethical, whereas a backhander is.
Example of inducement
- The company offered shares as an inducement to join the board.
- Some view tax breaks as inducements for corporations to relocate.
palm oil 🔊
Meaning of palm oil
A humorous or old-fashioned term for a bribe.
Key Difference
Palm oil is dated and less formal than 'backhander,' which implies a specific method.
Example of palm oil
- In the 19th century, officials often demanded palm oil to 'smooth' processes.
- The term 'palm oil' comes from the idea of greasing someone’s palm with money.
Conclusion
- A backhander is a discreet and often physical form of bribery, typically involving cash exchanges in shady deals.
- Use 'bribe' for general contexts where the method isn’t specified.
- Kickback is best when referring to post-deal profit-sharing in corrupt agreements.
- Grease money fits small, routine bribes to speed up bureaucratic processes.
- Payoff is ideal for payments meant to cover up scandals or silence people.
- Sweetener can be used for both legal and illegal incentives, depending on context.
- Hush money applies specifically to payments for secrecy.
- Bung is a casual British alternative for bribe.
- Inducement works when the persuasion could be ethical or unethical.
- Palm oil is a whimsical or historical term, rarely used seriously today.