A Perk Is a Perquisite With the Middle Removed
A perk is a benefit of a job. The word is a shortening of a long legal term.
A perk is an extra benefit that comes with a job. It is shortened from *perquisite*, a legal term from Latin *perquirere*, to search thoroughly for — originally property acquired by a lord by means other than inheritance, then anything obtained by virtue of a position. The word is doing the same job today, just much more briefly. Two other *perks* exist: *perk up*, to become lively, probably from an old word for perching smartly, and *perk*, to percolate coffee.
- A job benefit. *A company car is a perk.*
- To become lively. *He perked up.*
- To percolate. *The coffee is perking.*
- Perquisite — the full word. *A perquisite.*
- Latin — *perquirere*. *The root.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | perk | A perk. |
| Plural | perks | Perks. |
| Verb | perk | To perk up. |
| Adjective | perky | Perky. |
| Full form | perquisite | A perquisite. |
- Free lunches are a perk.Benefit.
- She perked up at the news.Liveliness.
- Perquisite is the full word.Etymology.
Short forms of long words
- Perk — from perquisite
- Mob — from Latin *mobile vulgus*, the fickle crowd
- Bus — from omnibus, for everyone
- Cab — from cabriolet
- Fan — probably from fanatic
Shortened from *perquisite*, from Medieval Latin *perquisitum*, from *perquirere*, to search for thoroughly.
What is a perquisite?
A benefit obtained by virtue of a position, originally a legal term for property a lord acquired other than by inheritance.
Is perk up the same word?
No. That is a separate verb, probably from an old word meaning to perch or hold oneself smartly.