Piques (en. Spikes)

/pik/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

A moment of emotional pain caused by criticism or a remark.

His remark gave me jibes that I won't forget.

Sa remarque m'a donné des piques que je n'oublierai pas.

Also refers to a type of joke or provocation.

He made jibes to tease his friends.

Il a fait des piques pour taquiner ses amis.

verb

To endure a feeling of injury or disappointment.

She often pokes fun when we talk about her ex.

Elle pique souvent quand on parle de son ex.

To criticize someone in a subtle yet hurtful way.

Don't poke fun at others just for your amusement.

Ne pique pas les autres juste pour t'amuser.

The word 'piquer' derives from the Latin 'pĭcāre' which means 'to pierce' or 'to wound'.

to make jibes

To make sarcastic or hurtful remarks.

faire des piques

to hit someone hard

To touch someone in a noticeably painful way.

piquer au vif

to blush deeply

To blush due to a strong emotion.

piquer un fard

piquant

That provokes a sensation of pain or discomfort, often figuratively.

piquant

sarcasm

Use of ironic statements to mock or hurt.

sarcasme

to tease

To playfully interact with someone in a fun way, but sometimes hurtfully.

taquiner

To criticize inadvertently.

She knows how to poke fun without realizing it.

Elle sait piquer sans s'en rendre compte.

To make biting remarks.

He loves to make jibes, but sometimes it goes too far.

Il adore faire des piques, mais parfois ça va trop loin.