What does perk mean?
A perk is an extra benefit or advantage, often one associated with employment, such as flexible hours, free meals, a company car, or health coverage. The word is especially popular in workplace contexts and conveys a sense of something useful or enjoyable that goes beyond the ordinary requirements of a job or arrangement. As a verb, “perk” means to become more cheerful, energetic, or alert, as in “The whole room perked up when the good news arrived.” The expression “perk up” is particularly common in informal speech. Together, the two parts of speech capture a useful contrast: a perk is something that improves a situation, while to perk is to become more animated or upbeat. The word is a shortened form of the older, more formal “perquisite,” so it retains the sense of an advantageous extra.
An extra benefit, privilege, or advantage, especially one associated with a job or an arrangement.
"One of the biggest perks of teaching is having summers off."
Informal; especially common in discussions of employment and workplace benefits.
To become more lively, cheerful, energetic, or alert.
"The children perked up as soon as they saw the presents."
Usually used intransitively and commonly found in the expression “perk up.”
The plural is used for separate benefits or advantages, especially workplace benefits.
"The position offers excellent health benefits and other attractive perks."
From perquisite to “perk”: one of the most useful abbreviations in the language of work, turning a formal word into an everyday benefit.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does perk come from?
The noun “perk” developed as an informal shortening of “perquisite,” an established word for a benefit or privilege attached to a position or service. “Perquisite” was borrowed through French from the Latin “perquisitum,” meaning “a thing acquired by inquiry” or “a gain.” The verb sense, meaning to become lively or cheerful, developed through the adjective “perky,” which in turn reflects the idea of being brisk or perky. The modern abbreviated noun became especially prominent in the language of work and workplace benefits.
Related word forms
How perk is actually used
The noun is informal and especially common in the context of employment, although it can be used more broadly for any advantageous extra. The verb is usually used intransitively, especially in the expression “perk up,” and describes a person, place, or situation becoming more lively or alert.
Easily confused with perk
A perk is an extra benefit or advantage, whereas perky describes someone or something that is lively, cheerful, or self-confident.