contretemps

[ kon-truh-tahn; French kawntruh-tahn ]

noun

, plural con·tre·temps [kon, -tr, uh, -tah, n, z, kaw, n, t, r, uh, -, tahn].

1. an inopportune occurrence; an embarrassing mischance:

   He caused a minor contretemps by knocking over his drink.

contretemps

/ kɔ̃trətɑ̃; ˈkɒntrəˌtɑːn /

noun

1. an awkward or difficult situation or mishap
2. fencing a feint made with the purpose of producing a counterthrust from one's opponent
3. a small disagreement that is rather embarrassing

Word History and Origins

Origin of contretemps¹

1675–85; < French, equivalent to contre- counter- + temps time (< Latin tempus ); perhaps alteration (by folk etymology) of Middle French contrestant, present participle of contrester to oppose; contrast

Word History and Origins

Origin of contretemps¹

C17: from French, from contre against + temps time, from Latin tempus

Example Sentences

Innocently hang a flag the wrong way — or hang the wrong flag — and what was supposed to be a celebration can become a diplomatic contretemps.

From Los Angeles Times

When Mr. Wicker and some colleagues threatened to resign, Mr. Sulzberger withdrew the proposed appointment, and the widely publicized contretemps ended with bruised feelings all around.

From New York Times

It’s enough to make an artistic director throw up a white flag, though Sachs’ decision to retire had nothing to do with this latest contretemps.

From Los Angeles Times

A Newsom spokesman directed a reporter to the governor’s comments to Fox 11 TV in Los Angeles about the tree lighting contretemps.

From Washington Times

But perhaps the most astonishing consequence of this little contretemps is the fact that House Speaker Kevin McCarthy appears to be seriously endorsing a possible impeachment of Attorney General Merrick Garland over this alleged interference.

From Salon