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
Steve Carell’s character in the likable, watchable and even lovable “Rooster” is classic Steve Carell: Self-aware, charming, boyish, incapable of reading a room, sidestepping a faux pas or calculating nuance.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 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
The faux pas happened during a show on Gass’ birthday in Sydney, Australia.
From Salon • Jan. 21, 2026
I couldn’t have known it in the moment, but I was committing what would be deemed an epic faux pas.
From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
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.
