pique etymology

Etymology:

  • Latin: "pīca," "pīcus"
  • Proto-Indo-European: "*peikos," "spotted bird"

Meaning:

  • A small, quick-moving, black-and-white Eurasian bird with a long, pointed bill
  • A card in the deck of traditional playing cards that is worth 10 points
  • The mark left by scratching or puncturing a surface
  • A stimulus that elicits a response from an organism

Origin:

The word "pique" entered English in the 14th century from the Latin word "pīca," which referred to the magpie, a black-and-white bird. The word "pīca" is believed to be onomatopoeic, derived from the sound made by the bird.

Over time, the word "pique" developed several extended meanings:

  • Bird: The small, black-and-white Eurasian bird with a long, pointed bill.
  • Playing card: The card in the deck of traditional playing cards that is worth 10 points. The pips on the card are said to resemble the magpie's markings.
  • Mark: A scratch or puncture on a surface. This meaning is likely due to the pointed beak of the magpie.
  • Stimulus: A stimulus that elicits a response from an organism. This meaning derives from the use of the word "pique" in heraldry, where it referred to a point or a stimulus on a shield.

pique 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

  • pique

    Etymology Latin pīca pīcus Proto Indo European peikos spotted bird Mea

  • offend

    Etymology The word offend originated from the Latin word offendere which means to s

  • temper

    Etymology The word temper derives from the Latin word temperāre which means to mix

  • irritation

    Etymology The word irritation derives from the Latin word irritare which means to

  • piquet

    Etymology French piquet Origin Unknown Meaning A small sharp stake used to hold

  • confetti

    Etymology Confetti is derived from the Italian word confetto meaning a small sweet or

  • cloth

    Etymology The word cloth derives from the Old English word clāð which is believed

  • chafe

    Etymology and Meaning of Chafe The word chafe has multiple origins Old English

  • range

    Etymology The word range originates from the Old French word reng which means row o

  • anger

    Etymology Old English anger noun and verb derived from the Proto Germanic root an

  • annoyance

    Etymology Medieval Latin annoiare to make bored or weary 13th century Late Latin i