faux pas

USAGE SUMMARY

'faux pas' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a social blunder or an embarrassing mistake. For example: Jo made a major faux pas when she came to the meeting wearing a bright pink skirt and a grey t-shirt.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A separate analysis of the 2 kinds of faux pas questions identifying the faux pas and understanding the faux pas revealed other interesting findings.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

The score was 1 point for each faux pas correctly identified, or non- faux pas correctly rejected.

Brain

Recognition of faux pas task: We used the previously published faux pas task [ 36] and adapted Stone's Faux Pas task [ 37].

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Faux pas!

The New York Times

Biggest fashion faux pas?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's a faux pas.

The New York Times - Style

That's the big faux pas.

The New York Times - Magazine

Most recent technological faux pas?

The Guardian

First to her faux pas.

The Guardian

The Anne Frank faux pas.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is the ultimate fashion faux-pas.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "faux pas", consider the audience and context. While widely understood, it's still a French term, so ensure it fits the tone and level of formality.

Common error

A common mistake is using "faux pas" to describe intentional insults or offenses. By definition, a "faux pas" is an unintentional blunder, not a deliberate act.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "faux pas" functions as a noun, typically referring to a social blunder or a breach of etiquette. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable expression in written English. Examples in Ludwig show it used in contexts ranging from fashion to cultural interactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "faux pas" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a social blunder or breach of etiquette. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in English writing. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, "faux pas" carries a neutral to slightly formal tone. When aiming for clarity, consider synonyms such as "social blunder" or "gaffe". Remember that a true "faux pas" is unintentional. Use this guide to navigate social situations and your writing with greater confidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

social blunder

This alternative directly replaces "faux pas" with a straightforward description of a social mistake.

breach of etiquette

This phrase emphasizes the violation of accepted social norms, similar to the meaning of "faux pas".

social gaffe

Similar to "faux pas", this term specifically refers to an embarrassing social mistake.

gaffe

This is a direct synonym referring to an unintentional act or remark causing embarrassment to its originator; a blunder.

tactless mistake

This alternative highlights the lack of tact and consideration involved in the mistake.

awkward error

This phrase underscores the discomfort and clumsiness associated with the social misstep.

social misstep

This alternative suggests a stumble in social interactions, akin to "faux pas".

indiscretion

This term denotes a lack of discretion or good judgment in a social setting.

slip-up

This informal term refers to a minor mistake or error, often in a social context.

blooper

This is an informal way to define a mistake, usually funny, and in a social setting.

FAQs

How can I use "faux pas" in a sentence?

You can use "faux pas" to describe an embarrassing or tactless act or remark in a social situation. For example, "Wearing white to a wedding is considered a major faux pas".

What is the difference between a "faux pas" and a mistake?

While both involve errors, a "faux pas" specifically relates to social blunders or breaches of etiquette, whereas a mistake is a more general term for any error. A "social blunder" is always unintentional.

What can I say instead of "faux pas"?

You can use alternatives like "social blunder", "breach of etiquette", or "social gaffe" depending on the context.

Is "faux pas" formal or informal?

"Faux pas" falls in the neutral to slightly formal register. While widely understood, it retains a touch of sophistication due to its French origin. Use it when a precise but not overly casual term is needed.