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

This is barely even a faux pas in the realm of dating. —Kelsey McKinney, Rolling Stone, 8 Feb. 2025

TikTok users were equal parts amused and horrified, with many sharing their thoughts on the faux pas in the post’s comments section. —Toria Sheffield, People.com, 1 Feb. 2025

To avoid committing the faux pas of a tardy or forgotten reply, respond to the invitation as soon as possible. —Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 2025

What the Experts Say Wearing white to a wedding, unless explicitly allowed by the couple, has long been considered a major faux pas in wedding etiquette. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, false step

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above