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
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
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
David Swanson Campaigning last year seemed to convince her that she can venture out alone without making costly faux pas. —Time Magazine
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
Polly Evans 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
The bride allegedly committed the fashion faux pas of not wearing a gown designed by her famous mother in law.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 22 July 2025
Keep your neighbors happy by avoiding these front-yard faux pas that are definitely eyesores.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
The only thing not regal about Gill here was his decision to wear black socks while batting, a fashion faux pas in Test cricket if ever there was one.
—Paul Newman, New York Times, 20 June 2025
The fashion moment, considered by some to be a major faux pas, came amid fierce criticism of the first Trump administration's approach to immigration in America.
—Jay Stahl, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for faux pas
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Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 22 July 2025
Keep your neighbors happy by avoiding these front-yard faux pas that are definitely eyesores.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
The only thing not regal about Gill here was his decision to wear black socks while batting, a fashion faux pas in Test cricket if ever there was one.
—Paul Newman, New York Times, 20 June 2025
The fashion moment, considered by some to be a major faux pas, came amid fierce criticism of the first Trump administration's approach to immigration in America.
—Jay Stahl, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for faux pas
Cite this Entry
“Faux pas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/faux%20pas. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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