picnic etymology

Etymology

The word "picnic" is derived from the French phrase "pique-nique", which means "to peck". This refers to the custom of eating a light meal outdoors, often consisting of food that is easily eaten with one's fingers.

Meaning

A picnic is a meal eaten outdoors, typically in a park or other green space. It is often a social event, with friends or family gathering to enjoy a meal and conversation in a relaxed and informal setting. Picnics can range from simple affairs, with sandwiches and snacks, to more elaborate gatherings with grills, tables, and elaborate spreads of food.

Origin

The origins of picnics can be traced back to ancient times. In the 15th century, picnics became popular among the French aristocracy, who would gather in gardens or forests to enjoy elaborate meals. By the 18th century, picnics had become a common leisure activity for people of all classes.

In the 19th century, picnics became increasingly popular in England and the United States. They were often associated with outings to parks or other natural settings. Picnics continue to be a popular pastime today, with people of all ages enjoying the opportunity to gather with friends and family and enjoy a meal outdoors.

picnic relate terms

  • pike

    Etymology Pike is derived from the Middle English word pike which is in turn derived

  • pike

    Etymology Pike is derived from the Middle English word pike which is in turn derived

  • pike

    Etymology Pike is derived from the Middle English word pike which is in turn derived

  • politic

    Etymology The word politics is derived from the Greek word polis which means city s

  • politics

    Etymology The word politics derives from the Ancient Greek term πολιτικά pol

  • politicking

    Etymology and Origin The term politicking is derived from the Greek word politikos m

  • picnic

    Etymology The word picnic is derived from the French phrase pique nique which means

  • politicking

    Etymology and Origin The term politicking is derived from the Greek word politikos m

  • politic

    Etymology The word politics is derived from the Greek word polis which means city s

  • picnic

    Etymology The word picnic is derived from the French phrase pique nique which means

  • cinch

    Etymology The word cinch has its origins in the Spanish word cincha meaning girth

  • breeze

    Etymology The word breeze originates from the Dutch word bries meaning a gentle win

  • snap

    Etymology and Origin The word snap has various etymological roots Proto Indo Europe

  • tail gate

    Etymology The term tailgate is a combination of two words tail and gate Tail

  • junket

    Etymology The word junket derives from the Old French word joncate which means ree

  • holiday

    Etymology The word holiday originates from the Old English term hālīgdæg which me

  • labor

    Etymology The word labor comes from the Latin word laborare meaning to work toil

  • project

    Etymology The word project originates from the Latin word projicere which means to