When you say 'picayune' are you speaking French (USA)?

'Picayune' is a word borrowed from French (USA) 'picaillon'. The word entered the English language some time around 1804.

picayune [noun] [1804]

• a Spanish half real piece formerly current in the South
• half dime
• something trivial

See 'picayune' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from French (USA).

Etymology: Occitan 'picaioun' a small coin, from 'picaio' money, from 'pica' to jingle, of imitative origin

See more loan words from 1800s.