exotiques

Exotiques is the plural form of the French adjective exotique, meaning foreign or from distant lands. In everyday French, it is used to describe things that originate outside the domestic or familiar milieu, often with connotations of tropical or unusual origin. The word derives from Latin exoticus and Greek exōtikós, literally "foreign" or "from outside".

In practical use, exotiques is applied to food, flora, fauna, and cultural goods described as being from abroad. Examples include fruits such as litchi or dragon fruit referred to as fruits exotiques, plants that are not native to a region, or animals kept or observed outside their native range such as exotics in zoos or private collections. In museums and markets, exotiques can label displays or products that emphasize exotic appeal or novelty.

The term intersects with debates about biodiversity, conservation, and ethics. The trade in exotic animals and plants raises welfare concerns and ecological risks when species become invasive. Many countries regulate or prohibit private ownership of certain exotiques and require permits, quarantine, or compliance with international agreements such as CITES.

In cultural discourse, exotique and exotiques have been used to frame ideas of difference and allure, sometimes raising questions about exoticism and representation. The term remains common in commerce and horticulture, serving as a short-hand for non-native, foreign-origin goods or species.