contretemps

American  

[kon-truh-tahn, kawntr^uh-tahn] / ˈkɒn trəˌtɑ̃, kɔ̃trəˈtɑ̃ /

noun

plural

contretemps

1. an inopportune occurrence; an embarrassing mischance.

   He caused a minor contretemps by knocking over his drink.

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contretemps British  

/ kɔ̃trətɑ̃, ˈkɒntrəˌtɑːn /

noun

1. an awkward or difficult situation or mishap

2. fencing a feint made with the purpose of producing a counterthrust from one's opponent

3. a small disagreement that is rather embarrassing

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Etymology

Origin of contretemps

1675–85; < French, equivalent to contre- counter- + temps time (< Latin tempus ); perhaps alteration (by folk etymology) of Middle French contrestant, present participle of contrester to oppose; see contrast

Explanation

A contretemps is a badly-timed event or an embarrassing situation. Did you see the outfielders run into each other and the shortstop slip and fall in the mud? Don't laugh — we all have our contretemps. The word contretemps, pronounced "CON-tre-tahn," is French — contre means "against" and temps means "time." A mishap, perhaps caused by bad timing, is one kind of contretemps. Another is an argument or conflict, especially an awkward one. A contretemps can result from a misunderstanding or miscommunication. It's also a term for a blunder in both ballet and fencing.

Example Sentences

Contretemps, kon-tr-tang′, n. something happening inopportunely or at the wrong time, anything embarrassing, a hitch.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various

This amusing but disgraceful feud was burlesqued in a farce called "Contretemps, or The Rival Queens," which was performed at Heidigger's theatre.

From Great Singers, First Series Faustina Bordoni To Henrietta Sontag by Ferris, George T. (George Titus)

A Contretemps Opposite to us were Victorine and the Marquis, and Godmamma and the Baron, and Jean and the Marquis's mother.

From The Visits of Elizabeth by Glyn, Elinor

A Contretemps Edith did not know, herself, what had induced her to write that letter to Paris.

From Tenterhooks by Leverson, Ada