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

Dahlia Lithwick: If you put “American politics as usual” in some imaginary halcyon past at 1 and Watergate at 10, where’s this slush fund scandal registering for you?

From Slate • May 26, 2026

In 2008, both Lee Jae-yong and his father resigned after a former Samsung lawyer turned whistle-blower claimed knowledge of a slush fund that was being used for bribes and political payoffs.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

Takaichi replaced Shigeru Ishiba, whose one-year leadership saw voter discontent simmer over inflation and a slush fund scandal within the party.

From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 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