quirk.

1. A small, distinctive peculiarity in someone’s behavior, appearance, or way of doing something.

2. A sudden bend, turn, or deviation in a line, surface, or course.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• a personal quirk
• an odd quirk
• a quirk of habit
• a quirk in the path

On the page

One quirk of his speech was the pause he placed before every name.

The path took a sharp quirk around the old quarry.

Usage notes

Usually a small distinctive feature rather than a major flaw; it can describe people, objects, or systems. Sense 2: The physical sense names a small change in direction; do not confuse it with the personality sense.