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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.

Steve Carell’s character in the likable, watchable and even lovable “Rooster” is classic Steve Carell: Self-aware, charming, boyish, incapable of reading a room, sidestepping a faux pas or calculating nuance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

The faux pas happened during a show on Gass’ birthday in Sydney, Australia.

From Salon • Jan. 21, 2026

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

From BBC • Oct. 22, 2025

Although they have committed American tourist faux pas like their characters, Crano and Craig said the adoption story is the most true-to-life aspect of the movie.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2025

The faux pas slipped out when Francis mentioned Griffith’s calculations.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson