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

• familiarity
• gaff
• gaffe
• impropriety
• indiscretion
• solecism

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

Going back further, critics found Lively’s first foray and faux pas into lifestyle branding. —Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 15 Aug. 2024

As evidenced by Katie Holmes’ dark wash vest and wide-leg jeans combination, matching denim is the key to elevating the Canadian tuxedo from fashion faux pas to quiet luxury. —Karli Bendlin, Peoplemag, 15 Aug. 2024

That marketing faux pas also in part led to the film tanking at the box office, despite its strong test audience performance. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 30 July 2024

Yet, just as often, these exchanges go off the rails with non sequiturs, silence or, most painfully, faux pas. —Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, false step

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above