caper

• Nom aux plusieurs sens : peut désigner un bond ou saut espiègle, une activité frivole ou amusante, un acte absurde pour s'amuser, un délit (surtout un vol), la plante du genre Capparis ou les boutons floraux marinés de cette plante utilisés comme condiment relevé en cuisine.

A noun with multiple meanings: it can refer to a playful leap or hop, a light-hearted or amusing activity, a ludicrous act done for fun, a crime (especially a robbery), a plant of the genus Capparis, or the pickled flower buds of that plant used as a pungent relish in cooking.

1. B2formalscientific

   Any of numerous plants belonging to the genus Capparis, often found in Mediterranean regions.

   Câprier

   • The caper plant thrives in rocky, dry soil.
   • Caper bushes are common in southern Europe.
   • He studied the botanical characteristics of the caper.

2. B1formalculinary

   The pickled flower buds of the caper plant, used as a pungent and tangy condiment in various dishes and sauces.

   Câpre (bouton floral confit)

   • She added capers to the pasta sauce for extra flavor.
   • Capers are a key ingredient in chicken piccata.
   • The salad was garnished with capers and olives.

3. Crime or robberyB2informal

   A criminal act, especially a robbery or heist.

   coup, forfait

   • The gang planned a daring caper at the bank.
   • The movie is about a jewel thief's last caper.
   • They got caught after their caper went wrong.

   Synonymesburglarycrimejobrobberytheft

4. Playful leap or hopB1informal

   A light, playful jump or skip, often done in excitement or joy.

   cabriole

   • The children performed a caper across the lawn.
   • He gave a little caper of delight when he heard the news.
   • The puppy's caper made everyone laugh.

   Synonymesboundcavortfrolicgambolhopleappranceskip

5. Recreational activityB2informal

   A light-hearted or amusing diversion or activity for entertainment.

   Farce, espièglerie

   • Their weekend caper involved a trip to the amusement park.
   • The friends enjoyed a silly caper at the beach.
   • It was just a harmless caper to pass the time.

   Synonymesescapadefrolicgamelarkprankspreestunt

6. Ludicrous actB2informal

   A ridiculous or absurd act done for fun and amusement.

   Farce, pitrerie

   • The comedian's caper had the audience in stitches.
   • Their caper of dressing up as aliens was hilarious.
   • It was a ludicrous caper that no one took seriously.

   Synonymesanticescapadefrolicgamboljestlarkprankstunttrick

• Verbe signifiant sauter ou danser de manière vive et enjouée, souvent utilisé dans un contexte léger ou fantaisiste.

A verb meaning to skip or dance about in a lively or playful way, often used in a lighthearted or whimsical context.

1. Jump or skip playfullyB2informal

   To leap or skip about in a lively, playful, or joyful manner.

   Gambader

   • The children capered around the garden, laughing.
   • Lambs capered in the spring meadow.
   • He capered across the stage with pure delight.

   Synonymesboundcavortdancefrolicgambolleapprancerollickrompskip