foot-in-mouth

[ foot-n-mouth ]

adjective

1. (of a statement) inappropriate, insensitive, or imprudent.

Word History and Origins

Origin of foot-in-mouth¹

First recorded in 1965–70; from idiomatic phrase put one's foot in one's mouth

Example Sentences

A series of foot-in-mouth appearances early in the administration shook Harris’ confidence, which led to further missteps, which threw her further off keel.

From Los Angeles Times

What we are witnessing is another chronic flare-up of celebrity foot-in-mouth disease in the social media age.

From Salon

Similarly, may I offer my gratitude to "Curb Your Enthusiasm" actor Jeff Garlin for his recent public attack of acute TMI, a symptom of foot-in-mouth disease?

From Salon

Some of the “Van Winkle-iest” moments involve Miranda’s foot-in-mouth disease when interacting with Nya Wallace, the Black professor in her new human rights law graduate program.

From New York Times

Tucker Carlson suffers from foot-in-mouth syndrome.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• disproportionate
• improper
• incorrect
• irrelevant
• tasteless
• unseemly
• unsuitable
• wrong