giveaway
UK: ˈɡɪvəweɪ | US: ˈɡɪvəweɪ
n. something given free, often as part of a promotion
n. an unintentional revelation of information
n. (informal) an event where items are distributed freely
The word "giveaway" combines "give" (Old English giefan, meaning "to hand over") and "away" (Old English onweg, meaning "from this place"). Originally used literally (e.g., "give away possessions"), it evolved to describe promotional free gifts in the early 20th century. The figurative sense of "unintentional disclosure" emerged later, likening secrets to objects carelessly handed to others.
The company organized a giveaway to attract new customers.
Her nervous laugh was a giveaway that she was lying.
The radio station announced a ticket giveaway for the concert.
The documentary included shocking giveaways about the scandal.
He didn’t realize his frown was a giveaway of his disappointment.