kickbacks

Definition

Illegal or illicit payments, often a portion of a contract amount, returned to someone who has the power to influence a decision or award a contract in return for favorable treatment.

Etymology

Originating in the early 20th century, the term combines 'kick' and 'back' to describe a payment that is 'kicked back' to a person of influence from the proceeds of a corrupt arrangement.

In the news

The word is used in the context of a defamation lawsuit where Bill Pulte accused former Fannie Mae employees of receiving kickbacks; the accusation was a central point of contention regarding the employees' professional conduct.

Another Pulte Purge, This Time at Fannie Mae

The Atlantic

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