Picnic
/ˈpɪk.nɪk/noun
A meal eaten outdoors or a light informal meal.
Did you know?The word first appears in 18th-century French as pique-nique, and its exact origin is debated, but it was used for a convivial meal where each person contributed something—no ancient spell, just social magic.
Etymological Timeline
17th Century
French
pique-nique
“A social meal or entertainment where each person contributed food or money; the precise origin of the form is uncertain.”
17th Century
French
piquer
“To prick, peck, or pick at; later also to stimulate or excite.”
17th Century
French
nique
“A thing of little value; a trifle; also used in expressions of contempt or joking.”
Early 18th Century
English
picnic
“A fashionable meal or entertainment to which participants brought their own contributions.”
Modern English
English
picnic
“A meal eaten outdoors or a light informal meal.”