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

From skipping follow-ups to coming across as self-interested or inauthentic, networking faux pas can limit the potential of new connections leaders attempt to forge. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024

While color clashing is more of a trend than a faux pas (see: red and pink), figuring out which shades will complement your aesthetic is no small feat. —Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 18 Jan. 2024

While each European country is unique in its own way, there are a couple of universal faux pas to avoid making and being marked as a tourist. —Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 12 Oct. 2024

The old-school faux pas of wearing brown and black at once goes to the wayside — particularly with the Coach Times Square Tabby Bag’s flash of gold hardware that ties into the jacket’s belt buckle. —Claire Sullivan, WWD, 8 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, false step

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above