picnic
UK: ˈpɪknɪk | US: ˈpɪknɪk
n. a meal eaten outdoors, often as part of a leisurely outing
v. to eat a meal outdoors, typically in a scenic location
picnic = pic<select> + nic<leisure>
- pic (from French piquer, meaning "to pick" or "select")
- nic (from French nique, a playful term for "trifle" or "leisure")
Etymology Origin:
The word "picnic" originated in 17th-century France as pique-nique, referring to a social gathering where each participant contributed a dish. The term combined piquer ("to pick") and nique (a whimsical word for "small thing"), reflecting the casual, shared nature of the meal. By the 18th century, it entered English, shifting to emphasize outdoor dining. The modern sense of a relaxed meal in nature solidified by the 19th century.
We packed sandwiches and fruit for a picnic in the park.
The family picnicked by the lake every Sunday.
A sudden rainstorm ruined our picnic plans.
She prepared a gourmet picnic basket for the concert.
The office organized a picnic for team bonding.