Where does the slang word Brown envelope come from?

Brown envelope is a slang term from Nigeria. It is part of the rich slang vocabulary used in Nigeria and across Africa.

What are other meanings of Brown envelope?

Brown envelope can also mean: Bribe money (Corruption payment)

Brown envelope

Added Aug 02, 2025 · 2 definitions

TOP DEFINITION

Brown envelope definition 1

Refers to an unofficial cash payment (often a bribe or "thank you") given discreetly. It comes from the practice of handing over cash in an envelope. Common in politics and journalism ("brown envelope journalism" = bribed reporting).

"The reporter refused the brown envelope and reported the truth. (English, meaning "The reporter refused to be bribed and told the truth.")"

by Khulekani Dladla Elder · Aug 02, 2025

DEFINITION 2

Brown envelope definition 2

Bribe money (Corruption payment)

"Dem wan collect brown envelope (They want to collect bribe)"

by Khulekani Dladla Elder · Apr 06, 2026

Word Details

Country: 🇳🇬 Nigeria
Definitions: 2 community definitions
Added: August 2025

↻ Similar Words

Brown envelope 🇺🇬 Uganda

Brown envelope (Bribe)

"Brown envelope ya tender (Bribe for tender)"

Enveloppe 🇨🇬 Republic of Congo

Enveloppe, pot-de-vin (Envelope, bribe)

"Enveloppe ezali prête (The envelope is ready)"

🇳🇬 About Nigeria Slang

Nigeria has one of Africa's richest street-language traditions, blending Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and Pidgin English into a constantly evolving slang vocabulary used by over 220 million people.

KASINARY has 1854 Nigeria slang words collected from native speakers.

Browse all Nigeria slang (1854 words)