Synonyms

faux pas

American

[foh pah] / foʊ ˈpɑ /

noun

plural

faux pas

a slip or blunder in etiquette, manners, or conduct; an embarrassing social blunder or indiscretion.

Synonyms:

impropriety, error

faux pas British

/ fo pɑ, ˌfəʊ ˈpɑː /

noun

a social blunder or indiscretion

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of faux pas

First recorded in 1670–80; from French: literally, “false step”

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.

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

"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

For centuries, appearing in public without the proper headgear was a faux pas.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025

After Meredith makes a faux pas during a family dinner, asking Thad and Patrick marble-mouthed questions about the nature versus nurture debate, Sybil locks eyes with her son.

From Salon • Oct. 15, 2025

Translated into English, “faux pas” means “false step,” but faux pas are done all the time.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023