Words at Play : 12 Words That Secretly Come from Body Parts
Definition:
: a sudden, impulsive, and apparently unmotivated change of mind
About the Word:
The origins of caprice are both entertaining and somewhat quizzical. It comes from the Italian word capriccio, which itself is a combination of two distinct words. These words are capo (meaning head) and riccio (meaning hedgehog), in apparent reference to the quality of having one's hair stand on end. As such, it would seem to be a better etymology for a word denoting terror rather than whimsy, but such are the caprices of language.
Example:
"But again man does not realize the vast power woman wields in the business world — through her desires, her caprices, her will." — Bertha A. Loeb, in The Business Philosopher, February, 1911
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