Perk vs. Perq — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 22, 2024
"Perk" and "perq," both short for "perquisite," refer to benefits provided to employees; "perk" is the more common spelling.
Difference Between Perk and Perq
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The term "perk" is a widely used abbreviation for "perquisite," which refers to benefits or privileges granted to employees beyond their regular salary, such as health insurance or a company car. Whereas "perq" is an alternate spelling of "perk," it is less commonly used in everyday language and business communications. Both terms originate from the same concept, but "perk" has become the dominant form, particularly in written and spoken English.
While "perk" is recognized universally in professional settings, "perq," although understood, might appear outdated or less formal in some contexts. On the other hand, "perq" retains a certain stylistic usage, possibly in branding or in specific corporate literature to add a unique or quaint touch.
"Perk" is featured in dictionaries as the standard spelling, whereas "perq" is often listed as a variant or not included at all.
When writing official documents or formal emails, using "perk" is advisable to maintain professionalism and clarity, whereas "perq" might be used creatively in informal communications or within certain company cultures.
Comparison Chart
Common Usage
Very common
Less common
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Spelling
Standard spelling
Alternate spelling
Perception
Professional, modern
Quaint, less formal
Dictionary Entry
Listed as main entry
Sometimes not listed
Usage in Business Communications
Preferred in formal contexts
Used more informally or stylistically
Compare with Definitions
Perk
A privilege or benefit granted to an employee in addition to salary.
Free gym membership is a common perk in the company.
Perq
A stylistic variant of 'perk', sometimes used in creative contexts.
The company newsletter lists all the latest perqs.
Perk
An advantage or something that serves as an extra benefit.
The best perk of his job is the flexible working hours.
Perq
A benefit or privilege, often given to employees.
Employees were offered parking spaces as a perq.
Perk
To make something more lively or cheerful.
They perked up the room with fresh flowers.
Perq
An advantage or extra benefit, typically from employment.
An unexpected perq of his new job is international travel.
Perk
Informal benefit or convenience derived from a situation.
The perk of living near the office is less commuting time.
Perq
A less common spelling of 'perk', used interchangeably.
He appreciates the perqs that come with his job.
Perk
To become lively or cheerful.
She perked up after hearing the good news.
Perq
Used to convey a unique or old-fashioned tone.
The boutique uses perq in its branding to stand out.
Perk
Become or make more cheerful, lively, or interesting
The coffee had perked him up long enough to tackle the reviews
She'd been depressed, but she seemed to perk up last week
Perq
Alternative form of perk(a perquisite)
Perk
(with reference to coffee) percolate
She showed us how to perk the coffee
While the coffee perks, head out for the morning paper
Perk
A benefit to which one is entitled because of one's job
Many agencies are helping to keep personnel at their jobs by providing perks
Perk
A coffee percolator
Leo hooked up an extension cord for me so I can use my perk
Perk
To stick up or jut out
Dogs' ears that perk.
Perk
To carry oneself in a lively and jaunty manner.
Perk
To cause to stick up quickly
The dog perked its ears at the noise.
Perk
To percolate
The coffee was perking on the stove.
Perk
Perky.
Perk
A perquisite.
Perk
(informal) Perquisite.
Free coffee is one of the perks of the job.
Perk
(video games) A bonus ability that a player character can acquire; a permanent power-up.
Perk
A percolator, particularly of coffee.
Perk
To make (coffee) in a percolator or a drip coffeemaker.
I’ll perk some coffee.
Perk
Of coffee: to be produced by heated water seeping (“percolating”) through coffee grounds.
The coffee is perking.
Perk
(transitive) To make trim or smart; to straighten up; to erect; to make a jaunty or saucy display of.
Perk
(intransitive) To appear from below or behind something, emerge, pop up, poke out.
Perk
To exalt oneself; to bear oneself loftily.
Perk
(dated) To peer; to look inquisitively.
Perk
(obsolete) To perch.
Perk
(obsolete) Smart; trim; spruce; jaunty; vain.
Perk
To make trim or smart; to straighten up; to erect; to make a jaunty or saucy display of; as, to perk the ears; to perk up one's head.
Perk
To exalt one's self; to bear one's self loftily.
Perk
To peer; to look inquisitively.
Perk
Smart; trim; spruce; jaunty; vain.
Perk
An incidental benefit awarded for certain types of employment (especially if it is regarded as a right);
A limousine is one of the fringe benefits of the job
Perk
Gain or regain energy;
I picked up after a nap
Common Curiosities
What is the difference between "perk" and "perq"?
They mean the same, but "perk" is the more commonly accepted spelling.
Why might someone use "perq" instead of "perk"?
"Perq" might be used for stylistic reasons or to evoke a quaint or unique tone.
Is "perq" a correct spelling?
Yes, "perq" is an alternate spelling of "perk" but less commonly used.
What does "perk" mean?
It refers to benefits or privileges provided to employees beyond their salary.
Can "perk" be used outside of employment contexts?
Yes, "perk" can refer to any advantage or benefit, not just employment-related.
In which regions is "perq" more commonly used?
"Perq" is seldom used in any specific region but can occasionally appear in informal or creative business writings.
Are "perk" and "perq" formal terms?
"Perk" is considered a formal and widely accepted term in business and professional contexts, whereas "perq" is less formal and more stylistic.
How should I decide whether to use "perk" or "perq" in my writing?
Use "perk" in formal and professional communications to ensure clarity and broader acceptance. "Perq" might be suitable for informal or creative contexts where a distinctive style is desired.
Can "perk" have negative connotations?
Generally, "perk" is viewed positively, denoting benefits. However, in some contexts, it might be seen negatively if perceived as an unnecessary or extravagant employee benefit.
Is the use of "perq" increasing in business communications?
No, the use of "perq" is not increasing; "perk" remains the preferred term in both colloquial and business communications.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
