The etymology of these
words is a bit different than the generally accepted (although
incorrect) stories that they come from acronyms.
Tip does not come from 'to insure prompt service'. It dates
back to the 1600s and meant to give a small present of money. It was
also used in thieves jargon about the same time, meaning 'to give,
hand, or pass'. The meaning 'give a gratuity to' is first documented
in the early 1700s. The incorrect acronym story came from an
editorial in "Life" magazine from July 15, 1946, claiming the
restaurant server's word tip "probably comes from a London
coffeehouse custom of two centuries ago when the words 'To Insure
Promptness' were written on notes to the waiter, with coins
attached.
Tipsy comes from another definition of tip, from the 1300s
meaning 'to knock down, topple, or knock askew'. Possibly from
Scandinavian tippa 'to tip, dump'. Tipsy-cake from the 1800s was
stale cake saturated with wine or liquor.
Tipple dates back to the 1500s, meaning 'sell alcoholic
liquor by retail'. It is possibly from a Scandinavian source tipla
'to drink slowly or in small quantities'. The meaning of 'drink
(alcoholic beverage) too much' is found in the 1550s. A tippler is a
seller of alcoholic liquors.
Wingtips are totally unrelated to the above discussion,
except that many businessmen who wear these shoes with a
back-curving toe cap suggestive of a bird's wingtip often tipple
after work and are tipsy by the time they go home.
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