slush fund: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

While not always technically illegal, it is almost always unethical and associated with activities meant to evade oversight, such as bribery, kickbacks, or undisclosed political spending. Its use implies secrecy and often breaches fiduciary duty or campaign finance laws.

The term originates from 19th-century naval slang. 'Slush' referred to the fat or grease leftover from cooking salted meat. Ship's cooks would sell this slush, and the money collected formed an unofficial petty cash fund for the crew's small comforts.

No. The term has an inherent negative connotation of secrecy and misuse. For a legitimate fund for minor or unexpected expenses, terms like 'petty cash', 'contingency fund', or 'discretionary fund' should be used.

It is most commonly written as an open compound noun: 'slush fund'. The hyphenated form 'slush-fund' is sometimes seen, especially when used attributively (e.g., 'slush-fund money'), but 'slush fund' is the standard dictionary entry.

A reserve of money used for corrupt, unofficial, or undisclosed purposes, often in politics or business.

Slush fund is usually formal, journalistic, business, legal. in register.

Slush fund: in British English it is pronounced /ˈslʌʃ ˌfʌnd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈslʌʃ ˌfʌnd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.