Word of the Day – Piquant

Piquant (adj)

pee-k-ant

Having a pleasantly sharp taste or appetising flavour: Pleasantly stimulating or exciting to the mind.

Piquant flavors “sting” the tongue and piquant words “prick” the intellect, arousing interest reflecting the etymology of the word, which first appeared in English in the 17th century and derives from the Middle French verb piquer, meaning “to sting” or “to prick.”

Example sentences

“He can always be trusted to provide a piquant bit of gossip.”

“The restaurant is renowned for the piquant sauces it serves up with its fish dishes.”