Risques

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Acts or situations involving exposure to possible harm, danger, or loss ; bold undertakings or ventures with uncertain outcomes ; chances taken despite awareness of potential negative consequences
2. Circumstances where someone takes a chance on something that might lead to injury or failure ; endeavors that involve hazardous or unpredictable elements ; willingness to face perils or threats for potential benefit
3. The state of subjecting oneself to possible adversity, peril, or disadvantage ; attempts that may bring about dangerous or undesirable results ; engagement in activities where unfavorable outcomes are considered possible

Etymology: The adjective "risqué" entered English in the late 19th century, borrowed directly from French, where it literally means "risky." Its earliest uses in English often pertained to behavior or entertainment that was considered daringly improper or bordering on indecent, especially in a sexual or provocative sense. The term captures a sense of calculated boldness, implying that something flirts with social boundaries without necessarily crossing them into outright obscenity. In French, "risqué" is the past participle of the verb "risquer," which means "to risk." This verb itself traces back to the Old French "risquer," derived from the Italian "rischiare," both ultimately rooted in the Vulgar Latin "*rescare," influenced by the Old Spanish "riesco." The underlying idea has always been connected to the concept of taking a chance or exposing oneself to danger, whether literal or figurative. The transition from the general notion of risk to the more narrowly defined realm of sexual or social provocation happened as Victorian and Edwardian English speakers adopted French cultural terms to describe entertainment, fashion, and attitudes that challenged prudish norms. The word retained its original sense of "danger" but became specialized to indicate a calculated flirtation with impropriety. Though spelled with an added "s" in your query, the singular adjective in English is typically "risqué," with the plural form "risqués" rarely used and generally appearing only in French contexts. The English adaptation maintains the acute accent to preserve the pronunciation and to distinguish it from the English word "risk." The word's rise in popularity coincided with the growing interest in French cabaret, literature, and art that pushed the boundaries of acceptable subjects. Over time, it has come to describe not just behavior or entertainment but also styles of dress, language, and attitudes that are playfully provocative yet not overtly scandalous.

Synonyms: risky, daring, bold, edgy, provocative

Antonyms: safe, conservative, modest, prudish, reserved