faux pas
Americannoun
-
faux pas
plural
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.
It was during his on-court interview afterward, however, that Shelton committed a bit of a faux pas while discussing the match that ended later than any other in tournament history.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026
Another Kushner faux pas, this one perhaps reflecting his ignorance of European history: “There is no such thing in the world as forever enemies or forever allies.”
From Slate ● Sep. 8, 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
My face heats as she stares at it, her light eyes taking in every flaw and faux pas.
From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland
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.
