Peak or Peek (or Pique?)

Love a good set of homophones…

So I jumped on the comment by my SO Jim about how often people confuse “peak” and “peek.” Here are some thoughts on how to keep them straight when you’re writing:

• “Peak” is the highest point, the top, or the pinnacle of something. Some folks suggest associating the “a” in peak with a capital A, which looks like the top of a mountain. Works for me!
• “Peek” has to do with looking, especially furtively or quickly or through a small space (think “peekaboo”). My trick: the “ee” in peek looks like two eyes. Sort of.

And just for fun, I’m throwing in a third homophone: Pique.

This is one of those great words that looks like what it means: to arouse interest, curiosity, or anger. But if you’re unsure about when to use it, just consider how silly “peak my interest” or “a fit of peek” looks in writing. And go with “pique” by default.