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
Does anyone actually answer this question? Biggest Cannes faux pas?
Attempting to attend a film at the Palais wearing a sneaker shoe and/or a non-bow tie with your tux.
—Kevin Cassidy, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025
Stylist Law Roach has now addressed the white suits worn by both his biggest client, Zendaya, and actress Anna Sawai, as it is assumed showing up in the same ‘fit on fashion’s biggest night is a major faux pas.
—Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 14 May 2025
In January 2023, Dismukes appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyers and spoke about his faux pas during his first SNL table read.
—Lia Beck, People.com, 15 Feb. 2025
Thoughtless faux pas can tarnish a good relationship.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for faux pas
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Kevin Cassidy, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025
Stylist Law Roach has now addressed the white suits worn by both his biggest client, Zendaya, and actress Anna Sawai, as it is assumed showing up in the same ‘fit on fashion’s biggest night is a major faux pas.
—Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 14 May 2025
In January 2023, Dismukes appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyers and spoke about his faux pas during his first SNL table read.
—Lia Beck, People.com, 15 Feb. 2025
Thoughtless faux pas can tarnish a good relationship.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 9 Apr. 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 1 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share