pay-or-play
/ˌpeɪɔːˈpleɪ/originally and chiefly US
noun
1A situation or system in which the options are either to participate or to pay a financial or other penalty; (now) especially (US ) any of various (proposed) schemes in which employers are legally obliged either to provide health care insurance, pension contributions, etc., for their employees, or to pay into a government fund for this purpose. Chiefly attributive.
2In the entertainment industry: (a clause in) a contract guaranteeing a performer work or (more often) payment. Now (especially in the film industry) a clause or contract guaranteeing an actor or director a fee even if his or her services are ultimately not required. Chiefly attributive.
Origin
Mid 19th century (in an earlier sense). From pay + or + play.
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- West Coast offense
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- westen sea
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