lagniappe

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "lagniappe" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a noun meaning a small gift given to a customer by a merchant, or a bonus or extra gift. Example sentence: The merchant gave me a lagniappe for my purchase.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A lagniappe here is the precise, targeted nature of the intervention: The path between the goal, the action, and the outcome is clear, and the overhead is minimal.

The Economist

It does mean that proferred numbers be taken with a grain of salt as a lagniappe, perhaps, rather than a justification.

The Economist

And he gave his reader lagniappe: Last night, in the storm-wrack down the glade, Where cowslips bloom in the gentle shade, My soul went wandering, sore afraid To drink the wine of fear.

The New Yorker

The single, seven-minute cut from New York, July 1 , 1975 is a lovely lagniappe.

The New Yorker

By chance, I had with me, in the pouch of my laptop-computer case, a laminated copy of my father's obituary, with the Twenty-third Psalm printed on the other side, a bit of lagniappe from the funeral home in Tulsa.

The New Yorker

A man who usually gets a sort of lagniappe from his mother at this season found a notice in his mailbox instructing him to go to his local post office to pick up a registered package.

The New Yorker

The Punch Brothers are cocktail zealots, so it's logical that the lagniappe for their new album is cocktail coasters.

The New Yorker

The Kaufmans specialized in architectural lagniappe: one downtown building has a sculptured rendering of a Sopwith Camel on the roof, along with a lighted AstroTurf runway.

The New Yorker

Good bread and a lagniappe — ours was a tasty potato cake — kept hunger at bay while we chose interesting-sounding offerings that would give us an idea of what this kitchen was about.

The New York Times

As a lagniappe of sorts, Ms. Anderson's husband, Lou Reed, joined the ensemble for the closing piece, a short instrumental jam in which Mr. Reed played a tentative, quirkily melodic solo line against the vigorous chordal backdrop provided by Ms. Anderson and company.

The New York Times - Arts

Steadfast diners who have made it through the bread, lagniappe, antipasti and pasta might consider sharing somewhere along the line, and a few of the entrees lend themselves to that increasingly popular way of dining.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lagniappe", ensure your audience understands the term, especially if they are unfamiliar with Southern culture. Consider providing a brief explanation or context.

Common error

Avoid using "lagniappe" in formal or technical writing where its informal and regional connotation might be inappropriate. Choose a more universally understood term like "bonus" or "extra".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "lagniappe" is as a noun, referring to something given or received as a bonus or extra. It functions similarly to synonyms like "bonus" or "extra", as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Arts

14%

Travel

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "lagniappe" is a noun referring to an unexpected gift or bonus, often associated with Southern hospitality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. While "lagniappe" can add charm to your writing, be mindful of your audience and the context. If you're seeking similar terms, consider alternatives like "bonus" or ""something extra"".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something extra

A more descriptive phrase that captures the essence of "lagniappe".

extra

Simple and direct term for something added beyond what is expected or required.

unexpected gift

Focuses on the surprise element of receiving something in addition.

bonus

A direct synonym referring to an extra benefit or addition.

plus

Simple and concise way to indicate an addition or advantage.

perk

Informal term for an advantage or something extra received as a result of a position or situation.

freebie

Informal term for something given free of charge.

complimentary item

Highlights that the item is provided at no additional cost.

gratuity

Implies a voluntary tip or something given beyond obligation, often for service.

added attraction

Refers to an additional feature that enhances the appeal of something.

FAQs

How to use "lagniappe" in a sentence?

You can use "lagniappe" to describe an unexpected bonus or gift, such as "The store offered a small gift as a "something extra" with every purchase."

What can I say instead of "lagniappe"?

You can use alternatives like "bonus", "extra", or "perk" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "lagniappe" or "bonus"?

"Lagniappe" is a regional term with a specific cultural connotation, while "bonus" is a more general term. Use "lagniappe" when you want to evoke a Southern, hospitable feeling.

What's the difference between "lagniappe" and "freebie"?

"Lagniappe" carries a connotation of goodwill and Southern hospitality, while "freebie" simply implies that something is free of charge. Lagniappe is often unexpected and given as a gesture of kindness.