Tip
/tɪp/noun
The pointed end of something; also a small gratuity given for service.
Did you know?The money sense of tip likely began as tavern slang for giving a small coin to ensure you got served quickly, while the pointy-end sense is much older and comes from a separate Germanic root.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
tipp
“A pointed or projecting end; a tip or extremity.”
Middle English
ME
tip
“A point, end, or extremity.”
16th Century
English
tip
“To strike lightly or touch at the end; later, to tilt or overturn.”
17th Century
English
tip
“A small gift of money; a gratuity.”
Modern English
English
tip
“The pointed end of something; a gratuity; a useful piece of confidential information.”