clique (English)

Where does "clique" come from?

The English noun 'clique' was borrowed from the French 'clique'[1]. This French term originates from the Old French verb 'cliquer'[2], which is of imitative origin[1][2]. The word's history also involves an influence from the term 'claque', a development that likely took place within French prior to its adoption in English[1].

Open questions

• The ultimate imitative origin of the word and the exact timing of the influence from claque are subject to varying historical accounts. [1] [2]

Full etymology tree

• clique (English), 'A small, exclusive group of individuals, usually according to lifestyle or social status; a cabal.'
  • borrowed clique (French), 'clique'
    • derived cliquer (Old French)
  • influence claque (French), 'slap on the cheek'

Ancestors

• clique (French)

Descendants and derived words

• biclique (English)
• cliquedom (English)
• cliqueless (English)
• cliquemate (English)
• clique number (English)
• cliquery (English)
• cliquey (English)
• cliquish (English)
• cliquism (English)
• coclique (English)
• hyperclique (English)
• Skeleton Clique (English)

Sources

1. clique (English) - Wiktionary
2. clique (French) - Wiktionary

Updated August 2026

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Etymology data from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · About Miraris