pique

Pique is a word with several distinct meanings in English, deriving from the French piquer. In everyday use, pique denotes a sudden feeling of irritation or resentment caused by a perceived slight or affront. A person may act out of pique, or a remark may leave someone in a pique, indicating moodiness or sullenness.

As a verb, pique means to arouse or stimulate, especially curiosity or interest. To pique someone's curiosity is to provoke interest or a desire to learn more. The noun form pique can refer to the thing that arouses interest, as in phrases like "a pique of curiosity."

In textiles, pique (often written piqué) denotes a weaving pattern that produces a raised, geometric or dimpled surface. Pique fabrics are commonly made of cotton and are valued for durability and breathability. They are widely used in polo shirts and other casual garments because of their textured appearance and resilience.

Historical or literary uses of piqué are rarer in modern English. The verb can appear in older or stylistic contexts to mean to prick or sting, reflecting its French origin, though this sense is largely obsolete in contemporary prose. In practice, the most common senses today are the emotional meaning of irritability and the textile sense describing a textured weave.