"Backsheesh" Quotes from Famous Books
 ... this plain-spoken agent whether he was quite sure that he could pass the government station? "Oh yes," he replied, "a little backsheesh will open the road; there ...
— Ismailia • Samuel W. Baker
... and I have again and again protested against the insane Beggars' Carnival which breaks out yearly towards the beginning of December. A man may be pleased enough to hear his neighbour express goodwill, but he does not want his neighbour's hand held forth to grasp our Western equivalent for "backsheesh." In Egypt the screeching Arabs make life miserable with their ceaseless dismal yell, "Backsheesh, Howaji!" The average British citizen is also hailed with importunate cries which are none the less piercing and annoying ...
— The Ethics of Drink and Other Social Questions - Joints In Our Social Armour • James Runciman
... answers the desired purpose. No one calls out in Arabic, addressing another, without prefixing some expletive. Thus the dealer of sweetmeats drawls out: "In the name of the Prophet, comfits." Even the beggar says: "O Christian, backsheesh!" as he leans upon a crutch and extends his trembling hand. If you respond, all is well; if not, your ears will be assailed by a jumble of Arabic, which, if your guide faithfully translates to you, ...
— Due West - or Round the World in Ten Months • Maturin Murray Ballou |
