faux pas

American  

[foh pah] / foʊ ˈpɑ /

noun

plural

faux pas

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

   Synonyms:

   impropriety, error

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faux pas British  

/ fo pɑ, ˌfəʊ ˈpɑː /

noun

1. a social blunder or indiscretion

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Etymology

Origin of faux pas

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

Example Sentences

Franks says she will never regret her time at Cambridge, despite the sneers and the cheeseboard faux pas.

From BBC

"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

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

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

From The Wall Street Journal

And then there is “faux pas,” which is an embarrassing blunder or lapse of good manners.

From Literature