bon-bon

A child picks a colorful bon-bon from a glass jar.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of sweet or confection: "bon-bon" refers to a small, often chocolate-covered sweet, typically filled with cream, fruit, nuts, or liqueur. It is usually served as a treat or dessert.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She offered me a bon-bon from the box. (A small, sweet confection.)
  • The children received a bag of bon-bons at the party. (A collection of small candies.)

Advanced Usage

• "bon-bon" as a French loanword: In English, "bon-bon" is often used to evoke a sense of elegance or luxury, especially in the context of high-quality chocolates or desserts.

  • The bakery specializes in handmade bon-bons with exotic fillings. (The bakery makes premium, small sweets.)

• "bon-bon" in a figurative sense: Rarely, it can refer to something small and pleasing, like a compliment or a pleasant surprise.

  • Her kind words were a bon-bon for my spirits. (A small, delightful thing.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bonbonnière (n): a small, decorative box or container for bon-bons.

  • She received a silver bonbonnière as a gift. (A box for holding bon-bons.)

• Bonbon (n): an alternative spelling, often used in French contexts.

  • The menu listed a chocolate bonbon. (A single piece of the confection.)

Synonyms

• Candy: a general term for sweet confections.
• Sweet: a British term for a piece of candy.
• Chocolate: if the bon-bon is specifically chocolate-covered.
• Truffle: a rich, chocolate-based confection, similar to a bon-bon.

Related Idioms

• "Life is a bon-bon": a playful phrase meaning life is sweet and enjoyable.

  • After winning the lottery, he said, "Life is a bon-bon." (Life is full of pleasure.)

• "To have a bon-bon": an informal expression meaning to have a small treat or luxury.

  • I like to have a bon-bon with my afternoon tea. (I enjoy a small sweet.)