contretemps

[kon-truh-tahn, kawntr^uh-tahn]

noun

plural

contretemps 

1. an inopportune occurrence; an embarrassing mischance.

   He caused a minor contretemps by knocking over his drink.

contretemps

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of contretemps¹

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; contrast

Word History and Origins

Origin of contretemps¹

C17: from French, from contre against + temps time, from Latin tempus

Example Sentences

The contretemps here echoes spats in the United States about monuments glorifying Confederate generals: Critics decry the displays as exalting traitors and white supremacists, while others argue that the statues just reflect history.

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However, as has been seen in recent years, the inherent clash of personalities there does break out into the open sometimes, especially when they have an on-track contretemps.

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Innocently hang a flag the wrong way — or hang the wrong flag — and what was supposed to be a celebration can become a diplomatic contretemps.

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When Mr. Wicker and some colleagues threatened to resign, Mr. Sulzberger withdrew the proposed appointment, and the widely publicized contretemps ended with bruised feelings all around.

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It’s enough to make an artistic director throw up a white flag, though Sachs’ decision to retire had nothing to do with this latest contretemps.

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