faux pas

noun
\ ˈfō-ˌpä How to pronounce faux pas (audio) , fō-ˈpä \
plural faux pas\ ˈfō-​ˌpä(z) How to pronounce faux pas (audio) , fō-​ˈpä(z) \

Definition of faux pas

: 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

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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 What’s the etiquette for a gifting faux pas — in a pandemic? Washington Post, "Gift stuck in the mail? Etiquette experts offer advice for smoothing over a holiday mishap.," 23 Dec. 2020 My biggest faux pas here was my first and last attempt at some April Fool’s humor back in 2014. Reuben Saltzman, Star Tribune, "Goodbye Star Tribune," 8 Dec. 2020 Recently, the couple made a trip to a local Christmas tree lot to buy their first tree for their family's new home, and the outing included a very funny faux pas from one of their fellow shoppers. Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "Prince Harry Was Mistaken for a Salesman While Out Buying the Sussex Family Christmas Tree," 5 Dec. 2020 Public health experts worry the Newsom faux pas may have compromised public trust at a crucial moment in the fight against the virus. Nora Mishanec, SFChronicle.com, "San Jose mayor apologizes after attending Thanksgiving gathering," 1 Dec. 2020 But frustrated citizens should instead turn to local health leaders — not political critics looking to capitalize on an opponent's faux pas. Jordan Culver, USA TODAY, "Nevermind the political messenger: When it comes to COVID-19 guidance, trust the message, experts say," 14 Dec. 2020 Sokolosky shares her best re-gifting etiquette to save you from making any holiday faux pas this season. Emily Vanschmus, Better Homes & Gardens, "Yes, It’s OK to Regift—As Long As You Follow These 5 Rules," 10 Dec. 2020 Anxious to prove his intellectual bona fides and ashamed of making some gross faux pas, J. D. dashes off to call his girlfriend, Usha (Freida Pinto), and consult her on which cutlery to use for which course. David Sims, The Atlantic, "Hillbilly Elegy Is One of the Worst Movies of the Year," 23 Nov. 2020 Their faux pas: Not following social distancing guidelines. Susannah Bryan, sun-sentinel.com, "The Wharf wasn’t alone. Thousands of businesses have been accused of violating COVID-19 rules," 26 Nov. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'faux pas.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of faux pas

1676, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for faux pas

French, literally, false step

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Time Traveler for faux pas

Time Traveler

The first known use of faux pas was in 1676

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Statistics for faux pas

Last Updated

18 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Faux pas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/faux%20pas. Accessed 18 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for faux pas

faux pas

noun
How to pronounce faux pas (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of faux pas

: an embarrassing social mistake

More from Merriam-Webster on faux pas

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for faux pas

Nglish: Translation of faux pas for Spanish Speakers

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