peccadillo
C1/C2Formal, literary, or humorous
Definition
Meaning
A minor fault, sin, or transgression; a trivial offense.
A small, often personal, failing or imperfection of character or conduct that is seen as pardonable or not serious. Often used to refer to lapses in manners, taste, or morality that are not grave.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word carries a slightly old-fashioned or genteel tone. It often trivializes the fault, suggesting it is more amusing or endearing than genuinely reprehensible. It is frequently used in a plural form ('peccadilloes/peccadillos').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or primary usage. Spelling preferences may vary slightly (see IPA section).
Connotations
Both varieties share the same connotations of a minor, often charming or forgivable, fault. Perhaps slightly more literary/archaic in American use.
Frequency
Relatively low-frequency in both, but perhaps more likely to be encountered in British literary or journalistic contexts discussing character.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
have a peccadillo for [noun/gerund]overlook/forgive [possessive] peccadilloesbe guilty of a few peccadilloesVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A mere peccadillo.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in discussions of minor ethical lapses or personal conduct not affecting professional performance.
Academic
Found in historical, literary, or social commentary texts discussing character flaws.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual speech. Used humorously or euphemistically to downplay someone's minor bad habit.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- It was just a small peccadillo.
- He has a peccadillo for eating biscuits in bed.
- The politician's financial peccadilloes were widely reported, though not illegal.
- The biographer did not shy away from detailing the great artist's many personal peccadilloes, from his chronic unpunctuality to his extravagant culinary indulgences.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a little 'pec' (like a small speck or sin) and a 'dillo' (like an armadillo—small and often overlooked). A 'small sin' armadillo.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORAL FLAWS ARE STAINS/SPOTS (a peccadillo is a small spot, not a large stain).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'грех' (sin), which is too strong and serious. Closer to 'небольшой недостаток', 'слабость', or 'провинность'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with 'piccadilly' (a London location).
- Using it for serious offenses.
- Mispronunciation: /pek-a-DIL-oh/ is incorrect.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the best example of a 'peccadillo'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is considered formal or literary, and can also be used humorously.
Both 'peccadilloes' and 'peccadillos' are acceptable plurals.
No, by definition a peccadillo is a minor or trivial fault. A serious crime would not be described as such.
It comes from the Spanish 'pecadillo', diminutive of 'pecado' (sin), which in turn derives from Latin 'peccatum' (sin).
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