The origins of the word "pinard" in Burgundy?

Where Does the Word "Pinard" Come From?

The Origins of the Term "Pinard"

The term "pinard" has sparked numerous theories and discussions about its etymological roots. The most likely theory traces back to World War I.

"Saint-Pinard"

According to popular belief, the word "pinard" was first used by soldiers enjoying a red wine called "Père Pinard" or "Saint Pinard" when they had the chance to escape the harsh realities of war. This wine was akin to a rather bland plonk, lacking in aromatic interest aside from its acidity.

Burgundy Connections

However, other sources suggest that the soldiers merely popularized a term that originated two centuries earlier in the Burgundy wine region. The term might refer to "pineau," a bulky grape variety resembling the shape of a pine cone, found in Champagne, Burgundy, and Lorraine vineyards. Another theory links the word "pinard" to Pinot Noir, Burgundy's flagship grape, or to Jean Pinard, a Burgundy winemaker from the 17th century.

Today, "pinard" is used so frequently that it’s challenging to pin down a single meaning. For some, it has a distinctly pejorative connotation, referring to a cheap drunk, while for others, it might denote a very high-quality wine.

The Académie Française dictionary, which officially included the term in 1935, simply defines "pinard" as a popular term for "wine."

FAQ - Origin of the word pinard

Where does the word "pinard" come from?

Several theories exist. The most common one traces it to World War I, when soldiers drank a wine called "Père Pinard" or "Saint Pinard". Other sources place its origin two centuries earlier, in the Burgundy wine region.

What does the word "pinard" mean today?

Its meaning has become very broad. For some it stays pejorative and suggests a cheap wine or a heavy drinking session, while for others it can point to a very high-quality wine. Above all, it works as a familiar synonym for the word "wine".

Why is the word "pinard" linked to Burgundy?

Several leads point to the region. The word may refer to "pineau", a grape shaped like a pine cone, or to Pinot Noir, Burgundy's flagship grape. Another idea mentions Jean Pinard, a Burgundy winemaker said to have lived in the 17th century.

Did the word "pinard" come from World War I?

The soldiers mainly popularised the term rather than inventing it. Tradition says they used it while drinking the "Père Pinard" cuvée, a sharp, fairly bland plonk, whenever they could briefly forget the war.

When did the word "pinard" enter the dictionary?

The Académie Française dictionary officially accepted the term in 1935. It simply defines it as a popular word used to mean "wine", without settling the debate over its various supposed origins.