Definition

Noun: A gaffe is a socially awkward or tactless act, especially a remark or action that unintentionally causes embarrassment or offense because it violates social norms or expectations. It is a mistake made in a social situation.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The politician's comment about the local cuisine was a major gaffe that offended many voters.
  • She realized her gaffe immediately after asking about his ex-wife at the party.
  • Making a joke about the host's appearance was an unfortunate gaffe.

Advanced Usage

• "to commit a gaffe": to make a social blunder.
  • The ambassador committed a serious diplomatic gaffe by mispronouncing the president's name.
• "a costly/fatal gaffe": a blunder with significant negative consequences.
  • In the final debate, his gaffe about the economy proved to be a costly mistake for his campaign.

Variants and Related Words

• Gaff (noun): While "gaff" can be a homophone, it is a different word meaning a hooked pole or a trick. Do not confuse it with "gaffe."
• Faux pas (noun): A synonym often used interchangeably with "gaffe," meaning a social blunder or slip. (From French, meaning "false step.")
  • Wearing casual clothes to the formal wedding was a serious faux pas.

Synonyms

• Blunder: A careless or stupid mistake, often with broader application than just social situations.
• Slip: A minor mistake or indiscretion.
• Indiscretion: An act or remark that shows a lack of good judgment, often in a social context.

Idioms and Phrases

• "To drop a gaffe": An informal way to say "to make a gaffe."
  • He really dropped a gaffe when he confused the two CEOs during his speech.
• "A Freudian slip": While not identical, this idiom describes a verbal mistake that is thought to reveal an unconscious thought, which can often result in a gaffe.
  • Calling his new boss by his old boss's name was more than a gaffe; it was a classic Freudian slip.

Noun

1. a socially awkward or tactless act