faux pas
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
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.
Which brings us to a faux pas in just about any workplace: Getting the boss’ attention for the wrong reasons.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 5, 2026
The only real faux pas, according to Lizzie Dushaj, is blandness.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 14, 2026
She was quick to try to clean up her faux pas, claiming she had skipped over the section because her statement was running long, but no one believed it.
From Salon ● Mar. 22, 2026
Franks says she will never regret her time at Cambridge, despite the sneers and the cheeseboard faux pas.
From BBC ● Feb. 21, 2026
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
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
