gaffe
/gæf/
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- a socially awkward or tactless act