A person who gives tips or gratuities for services, or someone who provides inside information. Also refers to a type of truck with a tilting bed for dumping loads.
From 'tip' + '-er' suffix. The sense of giving gratuities dates to the 18th century, while the informant meaning developed in the 19th century. The vehicle meaning comes from the verb 'tip' meaning to tilt or overturn.
The practice of tipping originated in 18th-century English coffeehouses where patrons would put coins in a box marked 'T.I.P.' - 'To Insure Promptitude'! Though this etymology is likely folk etymology, tipping culture varies dramatically worldwide, being expected in some countries and insulting in others.
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