perk
UK[pɜːk]US[pɜːrk]
v
To become or make something become more cheerful, lively, or interesting
v
To raise or become raised in a smart, alert, or jaunty way
n
An advantage or benefit that comes with a job or situation
Etymology
The verb 'perk', meaning to become lively or to raise smartly, first appeared in Middle English. Its origin is obscure but it is likely a variant of 'perch', perhaps influenced by the alert, upright posture of a bird on a perch. The sense of 'making something more cheerful' evolved naturally from this idea of becoming more alert and upright. The noun sense, meaning a special benefit, is a 20th-century development, possibly derived from 'perquisite', with 'perk' serving as a colloquial abbreviation that gained independent standing.
Analysis
The word 'perk' is a simplex word of uncertain origin, likely a clipped or altered form. It may be related to the verb 'perch' or influenced by the Old French 'perquer' (to perch). Its functional role is as a standalone lexical root.
Examples
A cup of coffee in the morning really helps to perk me up.
The dog's ears perked up when it heard its name.
One of the perks of the job is a company car.