What does piquant mean?
Piquant is an adjective that describes something as having a sharp, tangy, or pleasantly provocative quality. It can be used to describe flavors, but also people or things that are bold or lively. The word has Latin roots, with 'pungens' meaning 'pungent' or 'sharp'. Piquant is often used in cooking to describe sauces or dishes that have a burst of flavor. It can also be used in art or literature to describe a style that is bold or innovative. In general, piquant is a word that suggests something is interesting or appealing, but not necessarily in a conventional way. It is a useful word for describing things that are a little bit unexpected or unconventional.
adjectiveHaving a sharp, tangy, or pleasantly provocative quality; appealingly bold or lively.
- Having a sharp, tangy, or pleasantly provocative quality
"The chef added a piquant sauce to the dish, giving it a burst of flavor."
"The chef added a piquant sauce to the dish, giving it a burst of flavor."
"The artist's piquant style was a refreshing change from the usual bland works."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of piquant
The word piquant comes from the Latin 'pungens', meaning 'pungent' or 'sharp'. This Latin root is also seen in other English words, such as 'pungent' and 'pungency'. The word piquant has been used in English since the 17th century, and has been influenced by French cuisine, where it is often used to describe flavors.
How piquant is actually used
Piquant is often used to describe flavors, but can also be used to describe people or things that are bold or lively.