faux pas

noun

ˈfō-ˌpä 

fō-ˈpä

plural faux pas ˈfō-ˌpä(z) 

fō-ˈpä(z)

: a significant or embarrassing error or mistake : blunder

Long, hot soaks in winter are a classic faux pas, since exposure to extreme heat after having been in the cold can cause small visible blood vessels to appear at the skin's surface.

—Elle

especially : a socially awkward or improper act or remark

Audiences must be supportive and enthusiastic—lots of clapping, no heckling. (And talking on cellphones during the performance is a huge faux pas).

—Claudine Ise

… when I sauntered into the main dining room for my first breakfast, I realized I was the only person showing his legs. Careless faux pas, or was I being overly sensitive to the local culture?

—David Swanson

Campaigning last year seemed to convince her that she can venture out alone without making costly faux pas.

—Time Magazine

It was not until I'd covered about fifty kilometers that I committed my most terrible social faux pas yet: I overtook another cyclist.

—Polly Evans

Synonyms of faux pas

• mistake
• blunder
• error

Examples of faux pas in a Sentence

Arriving too early would be a serious faux pas.

according to an oft-told story, the queen set a guest at ease about a faux pas by politely imitating it

Recent Examples on the Web

But to hear Short tell it, that camaraderie was nearly shattered in September when the veteran comedian committed what might be the ultimate wedding faux pas at the nuptials of Gomez and music producer Benny Blanco. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 22 Jan. 2026

The big faux pas of exclusivity and detachment that over-the-shoulder knits once represented has become one of the leading styling tricks dominating street style everywhere. —Alejandro Badia, Footwear News, 20 Jan. 2026

Dark Granite Countertops Dark granite countertops are another design faux pas to avoid if timeless and sophisticated is the goal, Vanderford says. —Cori Sears, The Spruce, 19 Jan. 2026

Her only — if any — press faux pas has been her reiteration of her continued support for and friendship with Ye. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 14 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, false step

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for faux pas

• applause
• because
• byelaws
• bylaws
• caspase
• choctaws
• danaus
• macaws
• outlaws
• rickshaws
• subclause
• tawas