clique English · revision 2363

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /kliːk/ ''(UK)''; /klik/, /ˈklɪk/ ''(US)''^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[bor|fr|clique]],^(AHD)^(MW Collegiate)^(Barnhart 1995)^(Etymonline) originally “a sharp noise” and “latch”,^(Etymonline)^(AHD)^(RHWU) from Old French ''cliquer'' “to click, clatter”,^(AHD)^(Barnhart 1995)^(Etymonline) of imitative origin.^(AHD)^(Etymonline)^(RHWU) The French word was at one time treated as equivalent to ''claque'', the hired applauders in a theatre.^(Barnhart 1995)^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ A small and exclusive party or set, a narrow coterie, as a term of reproach (1711).^(OED 1989)^(MW Collegiate)^(Barnhart 1995)^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ The word has always implied exclusiveness, and at first also an effort to seize power or privilege.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) In the United States it was briefly used of a business ring (1855).^(OED 1989) The verb is recorded from 1884.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1711 – a small exclusive set, a coterie.^(OED 1989)^(MW Collegiate)^(Barnhart 1995)^(Etymonline)

+ * 1855 – ''(US)'' a business ring.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1884 – verb, to act as a clique.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # A small, exclusive group of people held together by common interests or status.^(AHD)^(MW Collegiate)^(RHWU)^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ===Verb===

+ # ''(informal)'' To form or associate in a clique.^(AHD)^(RHWU)^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[cliquey]]

+ * [[cliquishly]]

+ * [[cliquishness]]

+ * [[cliquish]]

+ * [[cliquism]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[claque]]

+ * [[click]]

+ * [[coterie]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}