faux pas

[foh pah] / foʊ ˈpɑ /

NOUN

social error

Synonyms

WEAK

blooper blunder blunder in etiquette boo-boo botch breach break bungle colossal blunder error flop flub foul-up gaffe gaucherie goof hash impropriety indecorum indiscretion mess mess-up misconduct misjudgment misstep mistake offense oversight slip social blunder solecism transgression

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.

Which brings us to a faux pas in just about any workplace: Getting the boss’ attention for the wrong reasons.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

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 • Mar. 26, 2026

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 • Mar. 22, 2026

The perplexed look on her face instantly confirmed the faux pas.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 11, 2025

Translated into English, “faux pas” means “false step,” but faux pas are done all the time.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

faux pas

Example Sentences

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