How did the word "tip" come to be when referring to gratuity?

zbeckabee

Folk etymology claims that "tip" is an acronym for "to insure promptness." In fact, it comes from British Rogue's cant for "to give" and entered the popular vernacular in its modern sense as early as 1610. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tip Jul 10 06, 10:37 PM

Baloo55th

As witnessed in 'Treasure Island' - 'tip him the black spot'... Jul 12 06, 5:36 AM

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