Peccadillo

Noun

Definition: A small sin or minor offense, a slight transgression.

Synonyms: Misdemeanor, Fault, Indiscretion

Antonyms: Virtue, Righteousness

Examples:
  • His only peccadillo was indulging in occasional chocolate binges.
  • Stealing a cookie from the jar may be considered a peccadillo, but theft is still a serious offense.
Mnemonics:
  • Remember "peccadillo" by breaking it down into "peccad" (sounds like "pick a") and "illo" (sounds like "ill" or "low"). Think of it as picking a low or ill action, which represents a small sin or weakness.
  • Think of "peccadillo" as a small "pill" of wrongdoing, representing a minor offense.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "peccadillo" originated in Spanish, derived from the Spanish word "pecado" meaning "sin" and the diminutive suffix "-illo" meaning "small." It entered English usage in the early 17th century.

Historical Usage:

"Peccadillo" has been used since the early 1600s to describe minor faults or sins.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"To make a mountain out of a molehill"

Explanation:

This expression is used to emphasize how someone is blowing a small issue out of proportion, similar to exaggerating a peccadillo into a major offense.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "peccadillo" with "peccavi."

Explanation:

"Peccadillo" refers to a small sin or failing, while "peccavi" is Latin for "I have sinned" and is not the same word or concept.

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