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

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

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

The first reason is the data collection faux pas of 2020.

From Salon

Lindelof acknowledged Morrison’s criticism and owned up to his faux pas before sharing just how much Hal Jordan — one of the Green Lanterns who will be featured in the series — meant to him growing up.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC