# acquired taste

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/acquired-taste
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.