Verbal Tip 

When a customer profusely thanks a waiter or waitress for the most wonderful service they received and then tips the server less than 10% (or usually nothing at all).

"Thank you so much for making our evening so special. You are the best server we have ever had. It's been such a wonderful meal and you should be rewarded for your effort" (with a fat 0 on the tip line of the credit card receipt because you just got handed a verbal tip instead.)

Verbal Tip by Morika August 15, 2008

verbal tip 

Neglecting to leave a monetary tip for high-quality service after expressing effusive praise or gratitude to the provider.

Endemic to service-intensive but low-paying industries, such as salons, health spas, and restaurants, where wages are significantly reduced because of the expectation that customers will tip employees.

Waiter #1: "That couple went on and on about how good the food was, and they said they loved my service! I can't believe they only left a verbal tip."

Waiter #2: "Yeah. Gratitude is nice, but it doesn't pay the electric bill."

verbal tip by northbanksurfer October 6, 2008

verbal tipping 

Acknowledging a waiter/waitress by telling them what a good job they did serving your table. Often used by old people and usually unaccompanied by a monetary tip.

I wish I could have told those old people off for the verbal tipping they gave me, but they were just so nice I didn't have the heart.

verbal tipping by roundthewheel June 10, 2008