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

On Aug. 1, federal prosecutors filing a legal brief alleging that taxpayer funds from the county went into a slush fund held by a shell company to help pay for its illegal activities.

From Los Angeles Times

The county has sued the foundation, accusing it of using the Fire Department’s logo and lifesaving work to collect donations and then operating a personal “slush fund.”

From Los Angeles Times

The department said the payments were funded by a slush fund the executives created by inflating the cost of the voting machines.

From Los Angeles Times

“Instead of looking out for shareholders, the defendant allegedly treated the company as his personal slush fund, in violation of federal law,” U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

The money received from the long-term practice is alleged to have gone into unmonitored slush funds.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• graft
• hush money