faux pas
Say it: foh PAH /ˌfəʊ ˈpɑː/ · noun phrase
What “faux pas” means
An embarrassing mistake about how to behave around other people.
More precisely: An embarrassing social blunder.
Example: “Replying-all with a joke about the boss was a serious faux pas.”
When to use it
For an awkward social mistake, such as an inappropriate remark, often with a gently amused tone.
Memory trick
French for false step: imagine putting your foot wrong in a social situation.
Similar words
gaffe, blunder, slip
Where it comes from
French, 'false step'.
Quick check
At a wedding, you loudly criticise the food before discovering the bride cooked it herself. You've made…
a faux pas or a misunderstanding?
Show the answer
a faux pas
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