faux pas

[ foh pah ]

noun

, plural faux pas [foh , pahz, foh , pah].

1. a slip or blunder in etiquette, manners, or conduct; an embarrassing social blunder or indiscretion.

   Synonyms: impropriety, error

faux pas

/ fo pɑ; ˌfəʊ ˈpɑː /

noun

1. a social blunder or indiscretion

Word History and Origins

Origin of faux pas¹

First recorded in 1670–80; from French: literally, “false step”

Word History and Origins

Origin of faux pas¹

C17: from French: false step

Example Sentences

The aurora faux pas comes just a couple of weeks after the real Northern Lights were once again spotted across the UK, following a similar sight back in May.

From BBC

“Megalopolis” has received a do-over trailer after a previous iteration was recalled for a mega faux pas.

From Los Angeles Times

His candidacy has a Real Housewives of Trumpworld feel, where nothing major happens but faux pas are regularly committed at lunch—or in his case, at the donut shop.

From Slate

I boil my tea, albeit briefly, still a faux pas to some.

From Salon

Harris, though, seems equipped to navigate potential food faux pas, because she harbors genuine culinary expertise, and has for years made it part of her public persona.

From Los Angeles Times