acquired taste

American  

noun

1. something that is unfamiliar or objectionable but becomes gradually more liked or accepted.

   His modern paintings are an acquired taste.

---

acquired taste British  

noun

1. a liking for something that is at first considered unpleasant

2. the thing so liked

---

acquired taste Idioms  

1. Something one learns to like rather than appreciates immediately. For example, Because it is so salty, caviar for many individuals is an acquired taste, or With its lack of decorative detail, this china pattern is definitely an acquired taste. [Mid-1800s]

---

Etymology

Origin of acquired taste

First recorded in 1730–40

Example Sentences

The appetite for that information, once an acquired taste among commodities traders and hedge funds looking for an edge, has exploded among defense ministries, manufacturers and media organizations.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

I take great pride in knowing that no one would think I’m the creation of A.I., even if that means acknowledging that I’m an acquired taste at best, “Hava Nagila” played on kazoos at worst.

From Slate • Jan. 7, 2026

Not for the faint of heart or faint of smell, bog snorkelling is often considered an acquired taste.

From BBC • Aug. 25, 2025

My daily spoonful of omega-3 rich cod liver oil, which has the added mood elevating oomph of vitamins A and D, is definitely an acquired taste.

From Salon • Dec. 25, 2023

Shepherd was an acquired taste: He told tales in novelistic form about his childhood in the Midwest, his life in the army, and his adult misadventures in New York City.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady