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

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

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

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026

After Meredith makes a faux pas during a family dinner, asking Thad and Patrick marble-mouthed questions about the nature versus nurture debate, Sybil locks eyes with her son.

From Salon • Oct. 15, 2025

Although they have committed American tourist faux pas like their characters, Crano and Craig said the adoption story is the most true-to-life aspect of the movie.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2025

I felt extremely shy, wary of committing a faux pas, and unequipped to participate in the high-flown and rapid-fire conversations.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela