What Language Is Lagniappe

Pronounced as a French word, lagniappe (lan-yap) is a Cajun-French inspired noun that means “a little extra.” Often used to describe something good, this word is the NOLA-call for receiving anything extra, or better yet, receiving something for free.

What is the origin of Lagniappe?

Lagniappe is derived from the South American Spanish phrase la yapa or ñapa (referring to a free extra item, usually a very cheap one). La is the definite article in Spanish as well as in French (la ñapa or la gniappe = the ñapa/gniappe). The term has been traced back to the Quechua word yapay (‘to increase; to add’).

How do you use Lagniappe?

1. As a lagniappe, the department store offered free popcorn and drinks to all its customers.
2. When purchasing a ring for his girlfriend, the buyer was given a small lagniappe as a token of the jeweler’s appreciation.