peccadillo
UK[ˌpekəˈdɪləʊ]US[ˌpekəˈdɪloʊ]
n
a small, unimportant, or trifling fault or sin.
Morpheme Breakdown
peccad
illo
peccad
to sin
illo
small
Etymology
the word 'peccadillo' entered english in the late 16th century from spanish, where 'pecadillo' is the diminutive form of 'pecado', meaning 'sin'. the spanish term itself evolved from latin 'peccatum', a noun meaning 'a sin, fault, or error', which comes from the verb 'peccare'. the addition of the diminutive suffix '-illo' transforms the meaning from a serious sin to a minor, often endearing, transgression. this etymological journey illustrates how a concept of moral failing was lingu softened into a term for a trivial human flaw.
Analysis
Structure: peccad (to sin) + illo (small)
peccad originates from the latin verb 'peccare', meaning 'to sin'. illo is a diminutive suffix from spanish, derived from latin '-illus', indicating smallness or insignificance.
Examples
forgetting to call her back was just a peccadillo, not a major offense.
his peccadilloes, like leaving dishes in the sink, were a constant source of gentle teasing.
the politician's past financial peccadilloes were brought up during the campaign.