Quirks Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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quirks

[kwəːrk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

personality trait

Quirks are unique or peculiar behavioral traits that distinguish an individual. They can be considered charming or endearing, adding depth and character to a person's personality.

Synonyms

eccentricity, idiosyncrasy, oddity, peculiarity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
quirks	Used when referring to unusual but harmless traits or behaviors that make someone unique, often in a charming or endearing way. Her quirks include talking to her plants and always wearing mismatched socks. His little quirks make him stand out in a crowd.
eccentricity	Used when describing someone or something that deviates significantly from the norm, often in a whimsical or unconventional manner. His eccentricity is evident in his vast collection of vintage typewriters. She embraces her eccentricity by dressing in Victorian-era clothing every day.
oddity	Used when highlighting something that is strange or unusual, often in a way that stands out as peculiar or curious. The old house has an oddity: a door that leads to nowhere. He is an oddity in the company with his preference for handwritten memos over emails.
idiosyncrasy	Used when referring to a characteristic or habit that is unique to an individual, often linked to their personality or mannerisms. One of his idiosyncrasies is the way he taps his foot when he is deep in thought. Her idiosyncrasies include organizing her bookshelf by the color of the covers.
peculiarity	Used when talking about specific traits or details that are unusual or unique, often in a way that is interesting or notable. One peculiarity of the town is its annual festival dedicated to umbrellas. Her speech has a peculiarity: a slight accent that is hard to place.

Examples of usage

Her quirky sense of humor always makes me laugh.
One of his quirks is that he always wears mismatched socks.
She has a quirk of collecting vintage postcards.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

mechanical

In mechanics, quirks refer to small irregularities or defects in a machine or system that can cause unexpected behavior or malfunctions.

Synonyms

abnormality, defect, fault, irregularity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
quirks	Use this word when referring to small, unique characteristics or habits that are usually endearing or amusing rather than problematic. She has a few quirky habits, like talking to her plants His quirks make him a unique friend
fault	Fault is commonly used to describe a responsibility for a mistake or the presence of a flaw in something, whether physical or metaphorical. It's not your fault that the plan failed The machine has developed a fault in its processor
abnormality	This term is more formal and is used when discussing something that deviates from what is normal or typical, often in medical or scientific contexts. The doctor found an abnormality in the patient's heart rhythm Genetic abnormalities can lead to various health issues
defect	This word carries a negative connotation and is used when referring to something that is flawed or not functioning as intended. The product was recalled due to a manufacturing defect He was born with a heart defect
irregularity	This term is used when dealing with inconsistencies or deviations from what is expected, often in legal, financial, or procedural contexts. The audit revealed several financial irregularities There's an irregularity in the voting process that needs to be addressed

Examples of usage

The software glitch was due to a quirk in the coding.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

to twist or turn suddenly

To quirk means to twist or turn suddenly, often with a playful or mischievous intent.

Synonyms

bend, curve, turn, twist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
quirks	Use 'quirks' when talking about peculiar or unusual traits, especially those that are unique to a person or thing. It often carries a slightly positive or affectionate connotation. One of his quirks is that he always drinks coffee with a teaspoon of salt. The old house had its quirks, like the creaky floorboards and uneven walls.
twist	Use 'twist' when describing a forceful or sudden change in direction, often involving rotation. This word can also refer to unexpected changes in stories or situations. She twisted the cap off the bottle. The plot of the book had an unexpected twist at the end.
turn	Use 'turn' to describe a change in direction, especially a more definite or abrupt one. This word is commonly used in both physical and metaphorical contexts. Take the first turn on the right after the traffic light. Her career took a surprising turn when she decided to become a chef.
curve	Use 'curve' when describing a smoothly bending line or surface. It's often used in mathematical or geometrical contexts, as well as physical shapes. The architect's design included a beautiful curve of glass windows. Notice the curve in the road ahead.
bend	Use 'bend' when referring to a change in direction, typically a gentle or gradual one. This word often relates to roads, paths, or physical objects. The river took a gentle bend to the left. She watched as the road bent around the mountainside.

Examples of usage

She quirked her eyebrow in amusement.
He quirked the corners of his mouth in a sly smile.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Every person has unique quirks that contribute to their personality, often reflecting their experiences and emotions.
Recognizing and embracing your quirks can lead to higher self-esteem and better friendships.
Some research suggests that quirks in behavior may indicate creativity or a different way of thinking.

Culture

In some cultures, unique quirks are celebrated as creative expressions, while in others they may be seen as odd.
Quirky characters in films and literature often provide comic relief and help convey deeper messages about acceptance and individuality.
Festivals celebrating diversity often highlight the beauty of human quirks through art, fashion, and performance.

Literature

Many beloved literary characters, like Sherlock Holmes, are defined by their quirks, which make them memorable and relatable.
Authors frequently use quirks to develop characters, adding depth and showcasing their unique traits or perspectives.
In children's books, quirky characters can teach valuable lessons about acceptance and celebrating differences.

Science

Even animals have quirks, whether in their behavior or methods of communication, often studied in fields like ethology.
Biodiversity showcases quirks in nature, where different species develop unique adaptations for survival.
In genetics, specific quirks in DNA can be linked to inherited traits or diseases, showcasing the uniqueness of individuals.

Technology

In tech, 'quirks' can refer to unusual features in software or gadgets that may be seen as glitches but sometimes reveal hidden potential.
User experience designers often look for common quirks among users to improve technology design or functionality.
Gaming culture embraces quirky characters and features, often leading to viral trends and fan creativity.

Origin of 'quirks'

The word 'quirk' originated from Middle English and Old Norse roots, with meanings related to 'a sudden twist or turn' or 'a peculiar behavior.' Over time, the term evolved to encompass both personality traits and mechanical irregularities. Today, 'quirk' is widely used to describe unique characteristics or eccentricities in individuals, objects, or systems.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,144, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
28141 cardamom
28142 dispossess
28143 midge
28144 quirks
28145 vowing
28146 polyphony
28147 stowing
...