This is the most beautiful and unusual French suffix that will make nouns into scenic adjectives. The literal meaning of -esque is ‘’resembling the style of’’ and whenever it is attached with any noun it, becomes stylish! The words carrying this beautiful suffix are not only appealing but they are very much pleasing to pronounce. The most interesting thing is that they are adopted from other languages or some of them are associated with well known personalities. Let us have a look on those creative scenic words.

9 Scenic Words with Strange Suffix -ESQUE

  1. Picturesque: The roots are Latin origin, that is Pictor, which is then adopted  in French and Italian, and finally entered in English language in the early 18th century. Picturesque is associated with the word Picture and it means attractive, visually charming and striking.
  2. Picaresque: The word is Spanish origin, that is Picaro, which means rogue or scoundrel. In the 19th century it is adopted in English and become a famous genre that tells the episodic tales of rough heros who are appealing and attractive.
  3. Romanesque: It explains the style of architecture in medieval Europe. The semi-circular arches in the buildings that dates back to the 6th – 10th century. The word has French roots and is derived from Romance.
  4. Rubenesque: Here the suffix -esque is joined with the name of a famous 17th century Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens. He was master painter of Baroque landscapes and showcasing curvaceous and plump women. This is why Ruben-esque means a voluptuous lady.
  5. Grotesque: The roots of this word is in Italian language. Grotto means cave because in early Rome people live in caves ‘’Grottoes’’ having paintings on their walls that are called Grotesque. The word entered in the 16th century and hence define an ugly or bizarre painting of animals and humans.
  6. Kafkaesque: The word is associated with the famous 20th century German writer Franz Kafka. His unusual writings like the Metamorphosis that portrays the existential crisis or dilemma of human existence in the modern era. The writing is Kafkaesque means having the surreal and bizarre qualities.
  7. Burlesque: The Italian roots ‘’Burla’’ means to ridicule, which is then taken into French and finally burlesque comes in English in the 17th century. The burlesque in art and literature is all about the parody or comical work, which is fun intended and solely produced for mockery. Burlesque novels and movies are an important feature in English art.
  8. Chaplinesque:  Yes you got it. It is associated with the most famous 19th century writer, producer, director and comedian Charlie Chaplin. Hence something Chaplinesque means having the characteristic features and style of the great actor.
  9. Arabesque: The Italian roots ‘’Arabo’’ explain the meaning of this word, ‘’in Arabian Style’’. Then from Italian to French the word entered in English in the mid 17th century. It means some linear motifs and lines, the graceful postures in the ballet dances. The ornamental pose when dancer stretches the arms when one leg is in the air while standing on the other.