gaffe

[ gaf ]

noun

1. a social blunder; faux pas.

gaffe

/ ɡæf /

noun

1. a social blunder, esp a tactless remark

Word History and Origins

Origin of gaffe¹

1905–10; < French: blunder, probably special use of gaffe gaff ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of gaffe¹

C19: from French

Example Sentences

The lack of distance between her vision of America and Biden's was thrown into disastrously stark relief with a gaffe during a visit to "The View."

From Salon

I’d call it a gaffe but that implies that it was accidental, and you could tell the guy knew exactly what he was saying and doing.

From Slate

With hindsight, Vance likely knew he was far enough ahead in the race that he didn’t need to risk a campaign gaffe going viral, like his attempted Diet Mountain Dew joke at an Ohio rally this cycle.

From Salon

Shortly after it ended, though, the media was consumed with a gaffe from the guy on whose lawn Harris was speaking.

From Slate

But the Yankees suffered an epic defensive meltdown in the top of the fifth, committing two physical errors and one mental gaffe that allowed the Dodgers to score five unearned runs and tie the score 5-5.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blooper
• blunder
• impropriety
• indiscretion