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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.

The first reason is the data collection faux pas of 2020.

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026

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

"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

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

My face heats as she stares at it, her light eyes taking in every flaw and faux pas.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland