What language does the word picnic originally come?

The word "picnic" comes from French. It is derived from the phrase "pique-nique", which literally means "to pick" or "to peck" (from the verb "piquer") and refers to a "little something to eat" (from the noun "nique").

The word entered English in the 18th century, initially referring to a type of casual outdoor meal often held by wealthy people in France. Over time, the meaning broadened to encompass any informal outdoor gathering with food.