Where did the word picnic come from

How do we have these necessary conversations about language without sounding like the language police? The idea was surprising to many, but old news to others. Etymologically speakingpicnic — from the French words pique-nique — is nothing more than a potluck dinner.

A picnic is a meal taken outdoors al fresco as part of an excursion , especially in scenic surroundings, such as a park , lakeside, or other place affording an interesting view, or else in conjunction with a public event such as preceding an open-air theater performance, [1] and usually in summer or spring. It is different from other meals because it requires free time to leave home. History shows us that the idea of a meal that was jointly contributed to and enjoyed out-of-doors was essential to picnic from the early 19th century. Picnickers like to sit on the ground on a rug or blanket. Tables and chairs may be used but this is less common. Outdoor games or some other form of entertainment are common at large picnics. In public parks, a picnic area generally includes picnic tables and possibly built-in grills , water faucets taps , garbage rubbish containers, restrooms toilets and gazebos shelters.

Where did the word picnic come from

Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe. Frederick Douglass. Is it true that the word picnic originally came from the word pick-a-nig or pick-a-nigger? Apparently, a black person was randomly "picked" and hanged for the entertainment of whites. The whites, including families, ate from box lunches while enjoying the barbaric act. If this is true we should stop using the word picnic, replacing it with outing or gathering. Your question has several components; we will address each component. The etymology of the word picnic does not suggest racist or racial overtones. Picnic was originally a 17th Century French word, picque-nique. Its meaning was similar to today's meaning: a social gathering where each attendee brings a share of the food. The French piquer may have referred to a leisurely style of eating "pick at your food" or it may, simply, have meant, "pick" pic. The nique was probably a silly rhyming compound as in English words like hoity-toity , but may have referred to an obsolete word meaning "a trifle.

Is it true that the word picnic originally came from the word pick-a-nig or pick-a-nigger?

Picnics are a fun and inexpensive way to spend time with family and friends and enjoy the fresh air and sunlight. Though picnics have been around since the beginning of human existence, the modern picnic was shaped in the 18th century — long before plastic containers and the invention of the thermos. Some time in the 17th century, the meaning of the word changed to mean dining outside on a blanket. This change likely occurred after the French term was substituted by the English word. In the Middle Ages, picnics occurred during royal hunts, which typically started as formal affairs but could quickly become wild and excessive.

About this rating. Specious etymologies seem to be all the rage of late, and a dubious claim about 'picnic' fits that trend:. This e-mail is being sent to you as a public service announcement and as information in the form of a little known Black History Fact. Although not taught in American learning institutions and literature, it is noted in most Black history professional circles and literature that the origin of the term "picnic" derives from the acts of lynching African-Americans. The word "picnic" is rooted from the whole theme of "Pick A Nigger. There would be music and a "picnic.

Where did the word picnic come from

The first picnics were a favourite pastime of the aristocracy, and purely indoor affairs. In the 19th century, the emergent middle classes moved lunch outdoors. It is hard to disagree with W. Even if ants and wasps occasionally join the fun, picnics are the very epitome of innocent pastoral delight.

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Look up picnic or picnicking in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. A borrowing from French. Though picnics have been around since the beginning of human existence, the modern picnic was shaped in the 18th century — long before plastic containers and the invention of the thermos. Flexner, Stuart Berg, From the s, Romantic American landscape paintings of spectacular scenery often included a group of picnickers in the foreground. Know that changing the words you choose can make a difference. Common picnic foods during the 19th century included roast duck or chicken, meat pie, plum pudding, cheesecake and cold roast beef. It can be accompanied by chilled wine, champagne or soft drinks. Link copied to clipboard. Dictionary Definition.

Detail of Bayeux Tapestry: William at the battle of Hastings. Image by Myrabella, , licensed under Creative Commons. Men, women, and children sitting on blankets and eating and drinking in a bucolic setting.

World's fair State fair County fair Trade fair. In many cases -- arguably in most cases -- lynch mobs had a particular target and confined their heinous aggression to a specific person. Common picnic foods during the 19th century included roast duck or chicken, meat pie, plum pudding, cheesecake and cold roast beef. Dress code Table manners Eating utensil etiquette Toast Waiting staff. Also, White, Walter, How to deal with questions about language right now. Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. Picnickers like to sit on the ground on a rug or blanket. Lynching was a brutal attempt to reinforce white supremacy, but it was also entertainment -- and food was present. It can be accompanied by chilled wine, champagne or soft drinks. A picnic is a meal taken outdoors al fresco as part of an excursion , especially in scenic surroundings, such as a park , lakeside, or other place affording an interesting view, or else in conjunction with a public event such as preceding an open-air theater performance, [1] and usually in summer or spring. Synonyms of picnic.