piquancy

[ pee-kuhn-see, -kahn- ]

noun

1. the fact or quality of being pleasantly strong, sharp, or tart in taste or flavor:

   Piquillo peppers, with their smoky, sweet piquancy, have a unique and irresistible flavor.

2. the fact or quality of being interestingly provocative, stimulating, lively, attractive, etc.:

   These pithy sayings of his have more piquancy than objective truth.

Word History and Origins

Origin of piquancy¹

piqu(ant) ( def ) + -ancy ( def )

Example Sentences

Mistry agrees that “really piquant spices go well with sprouts.”

From Washington Post

Piquancy is added to the last point because the other main contender for Fed chair is a woman, and a highly qualified one at that.

From The Daily Beast

The list gains piquancy because it appears on the blog of the left-leaning Roosevelt Institute.

From The Daily Beast

Their picturesque pronunciation gives their conversation a piquancy which defies imitation.

From Project Gutenberg

It would be difficult to speak too highly of them; they have a piquancy and grace which is in the highest degree attractive.

From Project Gutenberg

The Edinburgh Review” said: “For many years there has been no work of such power, piquancy, and originality.

From Project Gutenberg

He swore with force and piquancy, and original embellishments for old-time oaths which was like a sharp sauce to an unsavory dish.

From Project Gutenberg

There was not a little piquancy in the expression of her countenance, and Richard felt it strangely attractive.

From Project Gutenberg