Peccadillo
Noun
Definition: A small sin or minor offense, a slight transgression.
Synonyms: Misdemeanor, Fault, Indiscretion
Antonyms: Virtue, Righteousness
- 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.
- 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:
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:
"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:
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.