Definitions

faux pas

[foh pah] / foʊ ˈpɑ /

NOUN

social error

Synonyms

WEAK

blooper blunder blunder in etiquette boo-boo botch breach break bungle colossal blunder error flop flub foul-up gaffe gaucherie goof hash impropriety indecorum indiscretion mess mess-up misconduct misjudgment misstep mistake offense oversight slip social blunder solecism transgression

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Which brings us to a faux pas in just about any workplace: Getting the boss’ attention for the wrong reasons.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

The only real faux pas, according to Lizzie Dushaj, is blandness.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

When a nameless secretary drops a sheaf of papers, Kornev’s response to help is instinctive, yet we cringe at the careless faux pas he commits in this unfeeling society.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Which is just as well, because earlier this month Sam made the ultimate relationship faux pas.

From BBC • Oct. 22, 2025

I felt extremely shy, wary of committing a faux pas, and unequipped to participate in the high-flown and rapid-fire conversations.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

faux pas

Example Sentences

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