soupçon
Just a touch
A soupçon is a very small amount of something, a trace or hint.
The word comes from French and retains its French spelling and pronunciation in English, typically appearing in contexts involving food, flavor, or refined sensibilities: Add just a soupçon of nutmeg to the béchamel.
It can also describe abstract qualities: There was a soupçon of irony in her voice.
Using soupçon rather than "hint" or "trace" adds a touch of sophistication or playfulness.
Indirect suggestion
- dashQuick burst or pinch
- pinchSqueeze with fingertips
- traceMinute remnant or pursue
- dropFall or release
smidgen · splash · touch · whisper · seasoning · spice · flavor · essence
Lack of firm belief
- mistrustLack of faith
- inklingSlight, uncertain awareness
- glimmerFaint, wavering light
- shadowLight blocked by object
whiff · suggestion · hint · trace · misgiving · wariness · skepticism · reservation
Of or from Paris's nation
- eleganceRefined, graceful quality
- sophisticationCultured elegance and complexity
- affectationArtificial behavior for effect
- refinementElegance of manner
wit · irony · understatement · subtlety · finesse · delicacy · nuance · flair
hint
Indirect suggestion
drop · smidgen · splash · touch · whisper · seasoning · spice · flavor · essence · nuance
doubt
Lack of firm belief
shadow · whiff · suggestion · hint · trace · misgiving · wariness · skepticism · reservation · qualm
French
Of or from Paris's nation
- eleganceRefined, graceful quality
- sophisticationCultured elegance and complexity
- affectationArtificial behavior for effect
refinement · wit · irony · understatement · subtlety · finesse · delicacy · nuance · flair · panache