If at any time you have ordered street food, it is possible that you have been given your 'yapa'. Although almost all Peruvians instinctively know what that word means, more than one is unaware of its origin.
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First, it is important to note that this noun is not considered slang, as it is found in the Dictionary of the Spanish Royal Academy.
According to the Royal Spanish Academy, the word comes from Quechua and means 'help' or 'increase' in that language, just like in Spanish. In addition, the institution defines it as "an addition, especially one given as a tip or gift," and reveals that countries like Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Ecuador also use this word.
In Peru, it is a tradition to ask for a 'yapa' from someone who is serving you food. For example, a vendor of emollient can fill half of the glass again for you, while a 'tía veneno' can add more potatoes to your 'sanguchón'.
It is worth mentioning that this word is also colloquially used for additional gifts. That is, a 'yapa' is a complementary gift to the main one.