Quote
1. Quote - Listen to the quote and guess what the slang means.
With this record in particular, I wanted to feel like I won before the record came out. And I did, and so it took a lot pressure off of me about how the record even would perform after the fact. Once the goal is met, everything else is lagniappe.
—Singer Frank Ocean, speaking about winning a Grammy (The New York Times)
Definition
1. Definition - Study the definition.
something extra given as a gift
2. Use - Learn how the slang is used.
Success is always great. Whether it’s getting that first paycheck at a new job, being given a scholarship to an important university, or winning an award, everyone likes to be recognized for their hard work. However, even though recognition is wonderful, it can’t hurt to get a little something extra, as well! After all, you’d definitely be happy if your company gave you a promotion… but you’d be even happier if they gave you a promotion and a bonus!
When someone gives you something extra as a gift, it is called lagniappe. For example, if you get married, you might think that getting to spend forever with the love of your life is the best thing, and that all the extra presents from friends and family are lagniappe. The word lagniappe is slang from New Orleans, Louisiana. If you ever visit the “Big Easy,” try it out!
Singer Frank Ocean put a lot of effort into his latest album. It turned out so well, he feels like he already won. However, if he did win an award for the album, that would be an extra something special.
Can you think of an example of lagniappe in your life?
Examples
1. Examples - Hear some example sentences.
“Winning the match was great, but getting our pictures in the paper was lagniappe.”
“My aunt gave us money for our wedding. She also gave us a set of silverware as lagniappe.”
“The trip to China was so amazing, but getting to be there during Asian New Year was lagniappe!”