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
While the bizarre urge to chuck things at rock stars performing music onstage has been around since the advent of, well, rock stars and stages, it’s increasingly frowned upon and widely considered the ultimate concert faux pas.
—Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
Although the mom of four appeared to spend the rest of her night faux pas-free, she's had to handle sartorial blunders before.
—Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026
Were there any big faux pas from the President?
—Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 30 Apr. 2026
These faux pas can end up creating more work for the host, cause a little side-eye, or create awkward tension or frustration.
—Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for faux pas
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Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
Although the mom of four appeared to spend the rest of her night faux pas-free, she's had to handle sartorial blunders before.
—Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026
Were there any big faux pas from the President?
—Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 30 Apr. 2026
These faux pas can end up creating more work for the host, cause a little side-eye, or create awkward tension or frustration.
—Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 29 Apr. 2026
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 21 May. 2026.
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