Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Piquant Perspective

I’m piqued by the word piquant. Pique as a verb can mean to offend, stimulate or provoke. Pique as a noun means resentment. It looks and sounds French. I should reread my last post for the etymology. The Unabridged says it comes from piquer, to prick or sting.

Piquant means agreeably pungent, sharp or biting; intriguing or provocative. Charming is listed as a synonym!

Piquancy means having a tart or pungent flavor.

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