acquired taste

Meaning

This term refers to something (usually a food, drink, or style) that you do not like at first, but begin to appreciate and enjoy over time after experiencing it repeatedly. It is often used for strong or unusual flavors like blue cheese, black coffee, or olives.

Examples

• Olives are definitely an acquired taste; I hated them as a child.

  Olives are definitely an acquired taste; I hated them as a child.

• For many people, drinking bitter black coffee is an acquired taste.

  For many people, drinking bitter black coffee is an acquired taste.

• Raw oysters can be an acquired taste, but now I absolutely love them.

  Raw oysters can be an acquired taste, but now I absolutely love them.

• The strong, pungent smell of durian makes it an acquired taste.

  The strong, pungent smell of durian makes it an acquired taste.

• Don't worry if you don't like caviar right away; it's an acquired taste.

  Don't worry if you don't like caviar right away; it's an acquired taste.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I got an acquired taste for spicy food.

  ✓ Spicy food is an acquired taste for me.

  The noun phrase is 'an acquired taste' (something is an acquired taste). If using a verb, use 'to acquire a taste for' something.

• ✗ This cheese has an acquire taste.

  ✓ This cheese is an acquired taste.

  The adjective 'acquired' must be in the past participle form (-ed).

Related Expressions

Practice

• Stinky tofu is an ___—you either love it or hate it.

  💡 Something you learn to appreciate over time.

  Show answer

  acquired taste

• Spicy kimchi can be an ___ for people who aren't used to fermented foods.

  💡 A preference that develops after multiple exposures.

  Show answer

  acquired taste