Definitions
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
- n. A social blunder.
Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
- n. A false step; a slip; a mistake; especially, a breach of good manners; a lapse from chastity, or any act that compromises one's reputation.
Wiktionary
- n. A blunder (especially used in social contexts).
GNU Webster's 1913
- A false step; a mistake or wrong measure a slip or misstep in social etiquette; a blunder in conduct or manners that causes embarassment.
WordNet 3.0
- n. a socially awkward or tactless act
Etymologies
- French : faux, false + pas, step.
Examples
“Unfortunately, children with learning problems are often unaware of these peer-imposed norms and, as a result, continually make social faux pas that create and foster a negative reputation.”
“With the faux pas of ex-dating, I had definitely hit the bottom of the barrel.”
““But I take it our two guides have set your mind at ease that we will not commit some glaring faux pas and do not actually require nursemaids to help us survive our time here,” Holmes said evenly, sounding more amused than perturbed.”
O Jerusalem
Lists
These user-created lists contain the word ‘faux pas’.
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Mistakes Were Made
scanno, typo, catachresis, spoonerism, lapsus linguae, lapsus calami, mispronunciation, faux pas, friendly fire, erratum, divorce, mea culpa and 19 more...
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English with Tongue
French words and phrases used by English speakers.
objet d'art, nom de plume, petite, bon voyage, avant-garde, faux pas, faux, touché, répondez, s'il vo..., rouge, papier mâché, joie de vivre and 85 more...
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xylophone effect
fictionaldelusions A socially embarrassing action or mistake ...or blunder? Jun 9, 2008