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.
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
The faux pas happened during a show on Gass’ birthday in Sydney, Australia.
From Salon ● Jan. 21, 2026
But sometimes that meant his aides had the job of risk management, having to explain statements that appeared to be a departure from what the Pope had previously said or a diplomatic faux pas.
From BBC ● Nov. 30, 2025
For centuries, appearing in public without the proper headgear was a faux pas.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 28, 2025
I realized then that I had no more to fear concerning my faux pas in turning off their music.
From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
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.
