Definition of perk

The word "perk" as used today to refer to a small bonus or added benefit originated in the early 20th century. Its origins can be traced back to the phrase "pull out the stops," which refers to the extra stops added to the organ pipes to produce a richer, fuller sound. In the early 1900s, coal mining companies started using this phrase to describe the practice of drilling additional wells near existing mines, which allowed for a richer and more productive yield of coal. Over time, the term "perk" began to be applied more broadly to any additional benefit or bonus beyond what was expected or traditional. This came to include, for example, the extra coffee or doughnuts a supervisor might provide to the office staff or the occasional office lunch as a token of appreciation for hard work. The word "perk" comes from the term "perquisite," which has a much longer and more complex etymological history. The term "perquisite" originated in the late 16th century, and its origins can be traced back to the Latin word "per quaesitam," which translates to "through which it is sought." Over time, this term came to be used to describe any additional benefits or bonuses beyond what was expected or traditional, such as property, income, or payment in kind that was not strictly part of a person's salary or compensation but was considered a perk or privilege of the job. In short, the modern-day use of "perk" as a straightforward term for a small bonus or added benefit has its roots in the broader meaning of "perquisite" and the way it came to be used in specific contexts like mining and supervision in the early 1900s. Today, "perk" is a commonly used word in both personal and professional contexts, applied to everything from free snacks and drinks in the office to additional vacation days or flexible schedules as incentives for excellent performance.