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.

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

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

"A different style and completely different colours," Andy chuckled - his wife Danni only spotted the faux pas when she got to the school gates.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026

The perplexed look on her face instantly confirmed the faux pas.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 11, 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

I couldn’t have known it in the moment, but I was committing what would be deemed an epic faux pas.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

faux pas

Example Sentences

Related Words