What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
payola
Example
The record label was accused of engaging in payola to get their artist's song played on the radio. [payola: noun]
Example
The DJ was caught accepting payola from a record company to play their songs more often. [payola: noun]
kickback
Example
The contractor gave the government official a kickback in exchange for awarding them the contract. [kickback: noun]
Example
The businessman was caught accepting kickbacks from suppliers in exchange for giving them contracts. [kickback: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Kickback is a more commonly used term than payola in everyday language, as it can occur in various industries and contexts. Payola is a more specialized term used primarily in the music industry.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between payola and kickback?
Both payola and kickback have negative connotations and are associated with unethical and illegal practices. Therefore, they are typically used in informal or negative contexts and are not appropriate for formal situations.
