slush fund

American  

noun

1. a sum of money used for illicit or corrupt political purposes, as for buying influence.

2. Nautical. a fund from the sale of slush, refuse fat, etc., spent for any small luxuries.

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slush fund British  

noun

1. a fund for financing political or commercial corruption

2. nautical a fund accumulated from the sale of slush from the galley

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slush fund Cultural  

1. A collection of money by a political official or administration that is used to make payments for various services. Though slush funds may be used for legitimate purposes, such as paying state employees, the term is generally used to describe money that is not properly accounted for and is being used for personal expenses and political payoffs. Money raised for political campaigns has come under increasing public scrutiny to ensure that it is not misused.

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Etymology

Origin of slush fund

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

In October, Takaichi inherited a moribund Liberal Democratic Party deserted en masse by voters in part because of inflation and a recent slush fund scandal.

From Barron's • Feb. 4, 2026

It is not known whether any of them have been foolish enough to pony up the $1 billion initiation fee—nor has Trump or anyone else said who would control this slush fund.

From Slate • Jan. 28, 2026

But in Miami Beach, without a slush fund for stone crabs?

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025

Jeff Bezos similarly has tasked Amazon with making a 40 million dollar documentary about Melania Trump as a token of his appreciation as well as a million dollar donation to the inauguration slush fund.

From Salon • Jan. 15, 2025

As you’ll remember, Nixon was at bay after a slush fund established to pay his election expenses was exposed in the press.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith

Related Words

• graft
• hush money