It’s not a word that compares in significance to others I have chosen for comment. It won’t approach the national economy, the war in Afghanistan, or the machinations of the members of Congress. I doubt that it occurs in the daily language of the President of the United States, the coach of the Boston Red Sox, or the mayor of Providence.
It’s just a delicious word. Piccalilli. Just saying it brings a smile to my face. Piccalilli is a prepared, jarred chili-type condiment that you can use in a hundred ways. When I was a kid we always had piccalilli in the cupboard to put on hamburgers. I’m sure the Heinz people had more glamorous intentions for this pickle-type relish, but that’s my history with it. It is surprising to me to discover that piccalilli is of Indian origin, and that it has a spicy element to it. I remember it more as a sweet relish.
I haven’t thought about the word for years. Then, the other day I read an article in which piccalilli was used as a metaphor to describe a spicy mix of elements making up a decision made in congress. The author was indicating that the decision was chopped up, included a lot of seemingly-unlikely elements, and ending up as a pretty mixed bag. I liked the use of it. I would never have thought about using the word in that way, but it worked for me. I knew immediately what the author was indicating. The result was not bitter, but sweet, with a little bit of a bite to it.
It’s great how words like piccalilli can crop up in literary use. This is one that will find its way into my stories. There are no disclaimers needed for this post. I have no financial interest in Heinz, unless you count the hundreds of dollars I have spent over the years purchasing their catsup and other fine condiments.
Photo Credit: Heinz
