indelicacy

[ in-del-i-kuh-see ]

/ ɪnˈdɛl ɪ kə si /

the quality or condition of being indelicate.

something indelicate, as language or behavior.

Nearby words

First recorded in 1705–15; in-³ + delicacy

This most mistaken opinion gives an indelicacy, a 'brusquerie', and a roughness to the manners.
The PG Edition of Chesterfield's Letters to His Son|The Earl of Chesterfield
I could not commit the gross indelicacy of saying: "My poor friend, where do you come in?"
Jaffery|William J. Locke
In that case the under garments are never taken off, and no consciousness of impropriety or indelicacy of feeling is manifested.
A New Guide for Emigrants to the West|J. M. Peck
Such an interchange of the terms would imply arrogance or indelicacy.
Summary Narrative of an Exploratory Expedition to the Sources of the Mississippi River, in 1820|Henry Rowe Schoolcraft

The habit of rinsing the mouth at table is a disgusting piece of indelicacy, which is never practiced by any well-bred person.
Martine's Hand-book of Etiquette, and Guide to True Politeness|Arthur Martine