slush fund
noun
a sum of money used for illicit or corrupt political purposes, as for buying influence.
Nautical.
a fund from the sale of slush, refuse fat, etc., spent for any small luxuries.
Origin of slush fund
First recorded in 1855–60
Words nearby slush fund
Example sentences from the Web for slush fund
Plunder-bund is now at least as good as pork-barrel and slush-fund, and money-bund is frequently heard in Congress.
The American Language |Henry L. Mencken
British Dictionary definitions for slush fund
slush fund
noun
a fund for financing political or commercial corruption
US nautical
a fund accumulated from the sale of slush from the galley
Cultural definitions for slush fund
slush fund
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.