acquired taste
Something that is appreciated only after having initially been regarded as unappealing or unpleasant; a person who is regarded as difficult or dislikable but of whom at least some have grown to approve.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Black coffee is an acquired taste for many people.”
“I did not like the bitter flavor of the local cheese at first, but it is an acquired taste.”
“His dry, sarcastic sense of humor is certainly an acquired taste, yet those who spend enough time with him eventually find it quite charming.”
- 01
all one's taste is in one's mouth
One lacks good taste in aesthetic or cultural matters.
- 02
bad taste in one's mouth
A feeling that something is morally despicable as to cause nausea.
- 03
champagne taste on a beer budget
Expensive desires or preferences which one lacks the finances to fulfill satisfactorily.
- 04
leave a sour taste in one's mouth
To give one an unpleasant feeling or memory.
- 05
taste of one's own medicine
Harsh treatment inflicted on one who previously inflicted similar or equivalent treatment on others.
- 06
taste of one's own poison
Synonym of taste of one's own medicine.
Last updated August 10, 2026