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

Advertisement Double-check names Perhaps the ultimate holiday card faux pas is getting the recipients’ names wrong. —Angela Haupt, Time, 1 Dec. 2025

Some design faux pas only reveal themselves to you years down the road, but a talented designer or relator can spot many from the start. —Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2025

Here are eight tips for hosts and guests to avoid common party faux pas, according to two etiquette experts. —Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 29 Nov. 2025

There are many more alleged faux pas, including the cut of the bride’s gown and the schedule of the hotel shuttle, but the above are the most discussed. —Judith Martin, Mercury News, 25 Nov. 2025

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