Pronunciation: [pˈe͡ɪ stˈʌb] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word "pay stub" is P-A-Y S-T-U-B. The first syllable "pay" is pronounced /peɪ/, rhyming with "bay". The second syllable "stub" is pronounced /stʌb/, rhyming with "hub". A pay stub is a document that shows an employee's wages and deductions for a specific pay period. It is important to use the correct spelling of the word to avoid confusion and ensure accurate record-keeping for payroll purposes.
A pay stub, also known as a paycheck stub, is a document provided by an employer to an employee that outlines the details of their earnings and deductions for a specific pay period. It serves as a tangible record of the employee's compensation for their work and is typically issued alongside or before the payment itself.
Within a pay stub, various important information is included. It typically includes the employee's name, identification number, and the period covered by the payment. The earnings section displays the employee's gross pay, which is the total amount they have earned before any deductions are made. It also lists the net pay, or take-home pay, which is the amount the employee will receive after taxes and other deductions.
Pay stubs provide a comprehensive breakdown of the various deductions made from an employee's wages. These deductions can encompass federal, state, and local taxes, as well as social security contributions, healthcare premiums, retirement plans, and any other authorized deductions agreed upon by the employee and their employer.
In addition to compensation details, a pay stub may include other essential information, such as the number of hours worked, the pay rate applied, and any additional benefits or bonuses received. Employers are legally obliged to provide pay stubs to their employees as a transparent means of communication regarding their earnings and deductions, ensuring transparency and accountability between both parties.
The word "pay stub" comes from two different origins.
The term "pay" originally derives from the Old French word "paiement", meaning the act of giving money or settling a debt. It later entered Middle English as "paie", which referred to the act of giving or paying money. Eventually, it evolved into the modern English word "pay", used to denote wages or salary.
The term "stub" has a different etymology. It originates from the Old Norse word "stubba", meaning a stump (as in the remains of a cut or broken branch). In the context of pay stubs, "stub" refers to the remaining part of a cheque or document after the main section has been detached or removed. This term was adapted to describe the section of a paycheck that typically remains with the employer's records, while the detachable portion is given to the employee.
