Definition

A small extra item given for free with a purchase to encourage customers, often seen in shops or markets.

Example

When I bought the new shoes, the store gave me a lagnappe of a pair of socks.

Conversation

I just bought some fresh vegetables from that local market.

Nice! Did you get any lagnappe with your purchase?

Yeah, they threw in a couple of extra tomatoes for free!

That's awesome! I love when markets do that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Lagnappe originates from the Louisiana Creole and Cajun French term 'lagniappe', which itself comes from the Spanish 'la ñapa', meaning a little extra gift or bonus. The word reflects the cultural practice of giving something extra to customers or friends as a gesture of goodwill.

Memory Tip

Think of 'a little extra gift' — that's what lagniappe means, a bonus or something additional given to you.

Visually Confused Words