Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun A bribe offered in an envelope.

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

From Greek φακελάκι (fakeláki, "little envelope").

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Examples

  • People call them fakelaki, which is the Greek word for "envelopes."

    NPR Topics: News 2010

  • He said the fakelaki are a consequence of low salaries and the state's attempts to run a system on the cheap.

    Health System Reflects Greece's Ills Charles Forelle 2011

  • He also cites the problems of abuse of office, waste and unjust enrichment, corruption and the small financial favors known as fakelaki, the notorious "little envelopes" that speed up service.

    Free Internet Press 2010

  • THE debt crisis that caused Greece to ask for an international bailout on Friday has been attributed to many things, all economic: Greece's budget deficits, its lack of transparency and its over-the-top corruption, symbolized by the words "fakelaki," for envelopes containing bribes, and "rousfeti," political favors.

    BrothersJudd Blog 2010

  • THE debt crisis that caused Greece to ask for an international bailout on Friday has been attributed to many things, all economic: Greece's budget deficits, its lack of transparency and its over-the-top corruption, symbolized by the words "fakelaki," for envelopes containing bribes, and "rousfeti," political favors.

    BrothersJudd Blog 2010

  • Many Greeks say the answer needs only two words: 'fakelaki' and 'rousfeti'.

    AustralianIT.com.au | Top Stories 2010

  • Many Greeks say the answer needs only two words: 'fakelaki' and 'rousfeti'.

    AustralianIT.com.au | Top Stories 2010

  • Many Greeks say the answer needs only two words: 'fakelaki' and 'rousfeti'.

    AustralianIT.com.au | Top Stories 2010

  • "fakelaki," Greek for small envelopes, containing cash for prompt services.

    BusinessWeek.com -- Top News 2010

  • If you have to deal with the government, Greeks will recommend a "fakelaki," which means little envelope.

    Michael Farr: Outrageous Arrogance and Greek Fraud Michael Farr 2011

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