There are many definitions that apply to a particular subject, person, or event. The Russian language is rich in synonyms, so often people just don’t know how and when a particular word is applicable. For example, piquant is a commonly used term in cooking, as well as in relation to a situation or person. It’s worth figuring out when to use this word.
Piquant is not only sauce
From the sources you can find definitions of many expressions. In particular, explanatory dictionaries explain the meaning and content of words and phrases, as well as their origin.
According to the Great Encyclopedic Dictionary, piquant is literally "prickly" from the French piquant. So they say about hot sauces, dishes and spices. In the phrases of French, Italian, Caucasian cuisines, a word is often found meaning the presence in the dish of pinworms or any spices and additives that give the food a separate flavor.
Most often, the word "piquant" is a culinary definition. But there are situations, circumstances, or personalities to which this adjective also applies.
For situations, it is used if you need to convey a subtle hint of circumstances that go beyond etiquette. Also called a piquant situation in which there is an acute issue, the solution of which requires special care in relation to the parties to the dispute.
What kind of spicy person is this?
Speaking about people, we often give them a definition depending on their behavior in society and the ability to keep themselves. The interests of the interlocutor, his views and he himself can be defined by the word "piquant." This applies to people who are defiant or intriguing.
Piquancy as a characteristic of personality suggests that a person with his behavior and opinion is of interest to others. Speaking of this about a man or woman, it immediately becomes clear that a person is attracting attention.