Pic vs. Pick — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 30, 2024
"Pic" refers to a photograph or image, often shared on social media, while "pick" can mean to choose something or remove small pieces.
Difference Between Pic and Pick
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Pic" is commonly used as an abbreviation for "picture," especially in informal contexts like texting or online communication. On the other hand, "pick" is a verb that denotes the act of selecting something from a group or removing part of something, often with precision.
In digital communication, sharing a "pic" is a quick way to convey visual information or enhance messages. Conversely, "pick" is used more broadly in various contexts, from choosing an item at a store to playing an instrument with a plectrum.
The usage of "pic" is largely confined to the realm of photography and images. Whereas "pick" can be found in numerous settings, including agriculture (picking fruits), music (picking guitar strings), and sports (making a pick in a draft).
When discussing technology and social media, "pic" specifically refers to digital images, which are easy to capture and share via smartphones and cameras. On the other hand, "pick" could relate to technology when discussing user selections or preferences within software or digital interfaces.
In the realm of everyday language, "pic" simplifies communication by shortening the word "picture," making it especially popular among younger generations. In contrast, "pick" maintains its utility across all age groups with its versatile meanings in both literal and figurative contexts.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
An abbreviation for "picture."
A verb meaning to select or remove.
Usage Context
Primarily in photography and social media.
Varied, including music, sports, and everyday choices.
Associated Actions
Taking, sharing, and viewing images.
Choosing, removing, or selecting with precision.
Technological Relevance
Central in digital photography and online sharing.
Used in user interface design and software options.
Popularity
Popular in casual and digital communications.
Widespread use across various disciplines and ages.
Compare with Definitions
Pic
A casual term for a photograph or image.
Send me a pic of your new puppy.
Pick
Used in contexts like mining or harvesting.
They went to pick apples in the orchard.
Pic
Used to describe a small, easily shareable image file.
Attach a pic to your email.
Pick
To select from a range of options.
She had to pick her favorite flavor.
Pic
Relating to visual content.
Her profile pic got a lot of likes.
Pick
To physically remove small pieces.
He picked the stickers off the skateboard.
Pic
Short for "picture," used in digital communication.
I just posted a new pic on Instagram.
Pick
To choose someone or something as a preference.
The coach will pick the starting lineup soon.
Pic
Represents a snapshot or a moment captured.
That pic captures the sunset perfectly.
Pick
In music, to play an instrument by plucking strings.
He can pick a guitar really well.
Pic
A photograph.
Pick
Detach and remove (a flower, fruit, or vegetable) from where it is growing
I went to pick some flowers for Jenny's room
Pic
A movie.
Pick
Choose (someone or something) from a number of alternatives
Maggie picked on a nice reliable chap
Maybe I picked the wrong career
He was picked for the England squad
Pic
(informal) A picture, especially a photographic image.
Pick
Repeatedly pull at something with one's fingers
The old woman was picking at the sheet
Pic
(informal) A movie.
Pick
Pluck the strings of (a guitar or banjo)
People were singing and picking guitars
Pic
A Turkish cloth measure, varying from 18 to 28 inches.
Pick
An act or the right of selecting something from a number of alternatives
Laura should have first pick
Take your pick from our extensive menu
Pic
A form of entertainment that enacts a story by a sequence of images giving the illusion of continuous movement;
They went to a movie every Saturday night
The film was shot on location
Pick
An act of blocking or screening a defensive player from the ball handler.
Pic
A picture of a person or scene in the form of a print or transparent slide; recorded by a camera on light-sensitive material
Pick
A tool consisting of a long handle set at right angles in the middle of a curved iron or steel bar with a point at one end and a chisel edge or point at the other, used for breaking up hard ground or rock.
Pick
An instrument for picking
An ebony hair pick
Pick
To select from a group
The best swimmer was picked.
Pick
To gather in; harvest
They were picking cotton.
Pick
To gather the harvest from
Picked the field in one day.
Pick
To remove the outer covering of; pluck
Pick a chicken clean of feathers.
Pick
To tear off bit by bit
Pick meat from the bones.
Pick
To remove extraneous matter from (the teeth, for example).
Pick
To poke and pull at (something) with the fingers.
Pick
To break up, separate, or detach by means of a sharp pointed instrument.
Pick
To pierce or make (a hole) with a sharp pointed instrument.
Pick
To take up (food) with the beak; peck
The parrot picked its seed.
Pick
To steal the contents of
My pocket was picked.
Pick
To open (a lock) without the use of a key.
Pick
To provoke
Pick a fight.
Pick
To pluck (an instrument's strings).
Pick
To play (an instrument) by plucking its strings.
Pick
To play (a tune) in this manner
Picked a melody out on the guitar.
Pick
To decide with care or forethought.
Pick
To work with a pick.
Pick
To find fault or make petty criticisms; carp
He's always picking about something.
Pick
To be harvested or gathered
The ripe apples picked easily.
Pick
To throw (a shuttle) across a loom.
Pick
The act of picking, especially with a sharp pointed instrument.
Pick
The act of selecting or choosing; choice
Got first pick of the desserts.
Pick
Something selected as the most desirable; the best or choicest part
The pick of the crop.
Pick
The amount or quantity of a crop that is picked by hand.
Pick
(Sports) An interception of a pass.
Pick
(Basketball) A screen.
Pick
A tool for breaking hard surfaces, consisting of a curved bar sharpened at both ends and fitted to a long handle.
Pick
Something, such as an ice pick, toothpick, or picklock, used for picking.
Pick
A long-toothed comb, usually designed for use on curly hair.
Pick
A pointed projection on the front of the blade of a figure skate.
Pick
(Music) A plectrum.
Pick
A weft thread in weaving.
Pick
A passage or throw of the shuttle in a loom.
Pick
A tool used for digging; a pickaxe.
Pick
A tool for unlocking a lock without the original key; a lock pick, picklock.
Pick
A comb with long widely spaced teeth, for use with tightly curled hair.
Pick
A choice; ability to choose.
Pick
That which would be picked or chosen first; the best.
Pick
(music) A tool used for strumming the strings of a guitar; a plectrum.
Pick
An anchor.
Pick
(basketball) A screen.
Pick
(lacrosse) An offensive tactic in which a player stands so as to block a defender from reaching a teammate.
Pick
(American football) An interception.
Pick
(baseball) A good defensive play by an infielder.
Pick
(baseball) A pickoff.
Pick
A pointed hammer used for dressing millstones.
Pick
(obsolete) A pike or spike; the sharp point fixed in the center of a buckler.
Pick
A particle of ink or paper embedded in the hollow of a letter, filling up its face, and causing a spot on a printed sheet.
Pick
That which is picked in, as with a pointed pencil, to correct an unevenness in a picture.
Pick
(weaving) The blow that drives the shuttle, used in calculating the speed of a loom (in picks per minute); hence, in describing the fineness of a fabric, a weft thread.
So many picks to an inch
Pick
(AU) Pasture; feed, for animals.
Pick
To grasp and pull with the fingers or fingernails.
Don't pick at that scab.
He picked his nose.
Pick
To harvest a fruit or vegetable for consumption by removing it from the plant to which it is attached; to harvest an entire plant by removing it from the ground.
It's time to pick the tomatoes.
Pick
To pull apart or away, especially with the fingers; to pluck.
She picked flowers in the meadow.
To pick feathers from a fowl
Pick
To take up; especially, to gather from here and there; to collect; to bring together.
To pick rags
Pick
To remove something from somewhere with a pointed instrument, with the fingers, or with the teeth.
To pick the teeth; to pick a bone; to pick a goose; to pick a pocket
Pick
To decide upon, from a set of options; to select.
I'll pick the one with the nicest name.
Pick
(transitive) To seek (a fight or quarrel) where the opportunity arises.
Pick
(cricket) To recognise the type of ball being bowled by a bowler by studying the position of the hand and arm as the ball is released.
He didn't pick the googly, and was bowled.
Pick
(music) To pluck the individual strings of a musical instrument or to play such an instrument.
He picked a tune on his banjo.
Pick
To open (a lock) with a wire, lock pick, etc.
Pick
To eat slowly, sparingly, or by morsels; to nibble.
Pick
To do anything fastidiously or carefully, or by attending to small things; to select something with care.
I gingerly picked my way between the thorny shrubs.
Pick
To steal; to pilfer.
Pick
(obsolete) To throw; to pitch.
Pick
(dated) To peck at, as a bird with its beak; to strike at with anything pointed; to act upon with a pointed instrument; to pierce; to prick, as with a pin.
Pick
(ambitransitive) To separate or open by means of a sharp point or points.
To pick matted wool, cotton, oakum, etc.
Pick
(basketball) To screen.
Pick
To intercept a pass from the offense as a defensive player.
The pass was almost picked, but the tight end was able to hold on.
Pick
To throw; to pitch.
As high as I could pick my lance.
Pick
To peck at, as a bird with its beak; to strike at with anything pointed; to act upon with a pointed instrument; to pierce; to prick, as with a pin.
Pick
To separate or open by means of a sharp point or points; as, to pick matted wool, cotton, oakum, etc.
Pick
To open (a lock) as by a wire.
Pick
To pull apart or away, especially with the fingers; to pluck; to gather, as fruit from a tree, flowers from the stalk, feathers from a fowl, etc.
Pick
To remove something from with a pointed instrument, with the fingers, or with the teeth; as, to pick the teeth; to pick a bone; to pick a goose; to pick a pocket.
Did you pick Master Slender's purse?
He picks clean teeth, and, busy as he seemsWith an old tavern quill, is hungry yet.
Pick
To choose; to select; to separate as choice or desirable; to cull; as, to pick one's company; to pick one's way; - often with out.
Pick
To take up; esp., to gather from here and there; to collect; to bring together; as, to pick rags; - often with up; as, to pick up a ball or stones; to pick up information.
Pick
To trim.
Pick
To eat slowly, sparingly, or by morsels; to nibble.
Why stand'st thou picking? Is thy palate sore?
Pick
To do anything nicely or carefully, or by attending to small things; to select something with care.
Pick
To steal; to pilfer.
Pick
A sharp-pointed tool for picking; - often used in composition; as, a toothpick; a picklock.
Pick
A heavy iron tool, curved and sometimes pointed at both ends, wielded by means of a wooden handle inserted in the middle, - used for digging ino the ground by quarrymen, roadmakers, etc.; also, a pointed hammer used for dressing millstones.
Pick
A pike or spike; the sharp point fixed in the center of a buckler.
Pick
Choice; right of selection; as, to have one's pick; in cat breeding, the owner of a stud gets the pick of the litter.
France and Russia have the pick of our stables.
Pick
That which would be picked or chosen first; the best; as, the pick of the flock.
Pick
A particle of ink or paper imbedded in the hollow of a letter, filling up its face, and occasioning a spot on a printed sheet.
Pick
That which is picked in, as with a pointed pencil, to correct an unevenness in a picture.
Pick
The blow which drives the shuttle, - the rate of speed of a loom being reckoned as so many picks per minute;
Pick
The person or thing chosen or selected;
He was my pick for mayor
Pick
The quantity of a crop that is harvested;
He sent the first picking of berries to the market
It was the biggest peach pick in years
Pick
The best people or things in a group;
The cream of England's young men were killed in the Great War
Pick
The yarn woven across the warp yarn in weaving
Pick
A small thin device (of metal or plastic or ivory) used to pluck a stringed instrument
Pick
A thin sharp implement used for picking;
He used a pick to clean dirt out of the cracks
Pick
A heavy iron tool with a wooden handle and a curved head that is pointed on both ends;
They used picks and sledges to break the rocks
Pick
A basketball maneuver; obstructing an opponent with one's body;
He was called for setting an illegal pick
Pick
The act of choosing or selecting;
Your choice of colors was unfortunate
You can take your pick
Pick
Select carefully from a group;
She finally picked her successor
He picked his way carefully
Pick
Look for and gather;
Pick mushrooms
Pick flowers
Pick
Harass with constant criticism;
Don't always pick on your little brother
Pick
Provoke;
Pick a fight or a quarrel
Pick
Remove in small bits;
Pick meat from a bone
Pick
Remove unwanted substances from, such as feathers or pits;
Clean the turkey
Pick
Pilfer or rob;
Pick pockets
Pick
Pay for something;
Pick up the tab
Pick up the burden of high-interest mortgages
Foot the bill
Pick
Pull lightly but sharply with a plucking motion;
He plucked the strings of his mandolin
Pick
Attack with or as if with a pickaxe of ice or rocky ground, for example;
Pick open the ice
Pick
Hit lightly with a picking motion
Pick
Eat intermittently; take small bites of;
He pieced at the sandwich all morning
She never eats a full meal--she just nibbles
Common Curiosities
Are "pic" and "pick" interchangeable in any context?
No, "pic" and "pick" are used in distinctly different contexts and are not interchangeable.
What are some examples of using "pick" in a sentence?
Examples include "Please pick your shoes up off the floor" and "She picked the best apples from the tree."
Is "pic" a formal or informal term?
"Pic" is an informal term and is commonly used in casual conversation or online communication.
What does "pic" stand for?
"Pic" is an abbreviation for "picture," often used to refer to photographs.
Can "pick" be used in a digital context?
Yes, "pick" can be used in digital contexts, especially referring to selecting options or preferences in software.
What does it mean to "pick" in music?
In music, to "pick" means to play an instrument, especially a stringed instrument, by plucking its strings with fingers or a plectrum.
What does it mean to "pick" something?
To "pick" something means to select or choose it from a group, or to physically remove small parts.
What are common scenarios for using the term "pic"?
Common scenarios include sharing images on social media, texting, and any quick reference to a photograph.
How has the use of "pic" evolved with technology?
With the rise of smartphones and social media, "pic" has become a ubiquitous term for quickly referring to and sharing digital images.
Which term is more versatile in usage, "pic" or "pick"?
"Pick" is more versatile, as it applies to various activities and contexts beyond just selecting items.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
