plural faux pas
ˈfō-ˌpä(z) 
fō-ˈpä(z)
: a significant or embarrassing error or mistake : blunder
Long, hot soaks in winter are a classic faux pas, since exposure to extreme heat after having been in the cold can cause small visible blood vessels to appear at the skin's surface.—
Elle
Elle
especially
: a socially awkward or improper act or remark
Audiences must be supportive and enthusiastic—lots of clapping, no heckling. (And talking on cellphones during the performance is a huge faux pas). —Claudine Ise
Claudine Ise … when I sauntered into the main dining room for my first breakfast, I realized I was the only person showing his legs. Careless faux pas, or was I being overly sensitive to the local culture? —David Swanson
David Swanson Campaigning last year seemed to convince her that she can venture out alone without making costly faux pas. —Time Magazine
Time Magazine It was not until I'd covered about fifty kilometers that I committed my most terrible social faux pas yet: I overtook another cyclist. —Polly Evans
Polly Evans Examples of faux pas in a Sentence
Arriving too early would be a serious faux pas.
according to an oft-told story, the queen set a guest at ease about a faux pas by politely imitating it
Recent Examples on the Web
To avoid making your space feel small, these are the design faux pas designers recommend avoiding.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Apr. 2025
Gustavsson saved Chisholm’s faux pas, but Chris Kreider potted the rebound for an unassisted go-ahead goal.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025
Her aunt and cousin have also accused her of committing a faux pas.
—Raven Brunner, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
Consider avoiding these particular faux pas.
—Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for faux pas
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Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Apr. 2025
Gustavsson saved Chisholm’s faux pas, but Chris Kreider potted the rebound for an unassisted go-ahead goal.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025
Her aunt and cousin have also accused her of committing a faux pas.
—Raven Brunner, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
Consider avoiding these particular faux pas.
—Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for faux pas
Cite this Entry
“Faux pas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/faux%20pas. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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