"TIPS":

1. The most common "folk etymology" of this term, going back as early as 1911, places the origin of the term in a London coffeehouse which was purported to have a wooden box on the wall for patrons to drop coins in as they entered, which read "To Insure Prompt Service." Another possible explanation draws attention to the French word 'verser', which means both "to pay money" and "to pour out". Similarly, the German word 'Geshenk' means both "present" and "something poured out". Likely these words trace their origins to when coin money was literally poured out of bags for payment. However, in English, the word "tip" did not come to mean "pour out" until well after it already meant gratuity. The most probable explanation of the term comes again from merry ol' England, where "tipple" is a slang word for 'drinking in small quantities'. Back in the day, it was the practice to give favored servants a bit of money so they could buy themselves a drink as a reward for good service. Hence they were given a "tipple" which was later shortened to "tip". Supporting this origin is the fact that in nearly every language that has a word for the practice of tipping as a gratuity, the word can literally be translated as "drink-money."

2. See photo. Me tipping over as a result of my tipple.

3. See photos: my tips, and me spending my tips on a tipple (a drink.)