acquired taste

noun

1. something that is unfamiliar or objectionable but becomes gradually more liked or accepted:

   His modern paintings are an acquired taste.

acquired taste

noun

1. a liking for something that is at first considered unpleasant
2. the thing so liked

Word History and Origins

Origin of acquired taste¹

First recorded in 1730–40

Idioms and Phrases

Something one learns to like rather than appreciates immediately. For example, Because it is so salty, caviar for many individuals is an acquired taste , or With its lack of decorative detail, this china pattern is definitely an acquired taste . [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

Thompson’s trademark gonzo style is an acquired taste, as popular works like Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas have shown.

From Outside Online

Curved displays are an acquired taste, but the Gigabyte G27QC A has many great qualities for a budget monitor.

From Popular-Science

While the puzzles and action of his franchise can be an acquired taste, there’s no question that the graphics taste delicious, like cloying, artificial fruit flavors in 2-percent milk.

From Popular-Science

So far, baijiu seems to be an acquired taste for Westerners.

From The Daily Beast

An acquired taste, certainly, but once acquired never regretted.

From The Daily Beast

Horse is an acquired taste that, as yet, I haven't acquired.

From The Daily Beast

Some think dark chocolate is an acquired taste, but those who like it have a true passion for it.

From The Daily Beast

"Poetry, like cucumbers, is an acquired taste," he said after a while.

From Project Gutenberg

Bonnet seemed to be growing proud of his newly acquired taste for rapacity and cruelty.

From Project Gutenberg

Smoking is an acquired taste, and it must be as easy to learn to like one flavour as another.

From Project Gutenberg

It is an acquired taste, if ever it is really liked as much as people say.

From Project Gutenberg

It is an acquired taste,—which comes upon one as does that for smoked whisky, or Limerick tobacco.

From Project Gutenberg