I don't think it's about being pedantic, but rather the idea of using something like a euphemism to lessen the impact of the act. If the OP had used quotes, li

I don't think it's about being pedantic, but rather the idea of using something like a euphemism to lessen the impact of the act. If the OP had used quotes, like you yourself did, this would have made it obvious that they recognised it's a bribe in all but name. It's important to remember that this site is international and not every linguistic nuance is intentional.