clique (English)

Where does "clique" come from?

The word "clique" was borrowed into English from French, where it originally derived from the Old French verb "cliquer," meaning "to click." This suggests an imitative origin, mimicking the sharp sound of objects snapping together. Over time, the term shifted from a literal sound to describing a tight-knit, exclusive group of people who are figuratively snapped or locked together.

Full etymology tree

• clique (English), 'A small, exclusive group of individuals, usually according to lifestyle or social status; a cabal.'
  • borrowed from clique (French), 'clique'
    • deverbal from cliquer (Old French)
    • semantic loan from claque (French), 'slap on the cheek'
      • deverbal from claquer (French), 'to clack (make a sharp sound)'

Direct ancestors

• clique (French)

Updated April 2026

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