gauche
/gouʃ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Lacking social grace, awkward, or tactless: Describes a person or behavior that is socially inept, showing a lack of polish, ease, or sensitivity in social situations.
- Clumsy or crude: Can imply a lack of sophistication or refinement.
Usage
The adjective gauche is used to describe a person, action, or remark that is awkward, especially in a social context. It often carries a connotation of being unsophisticated or unaware of social norms. It is a formal or literary term.
Examples
- His gauche attempt at a compliment only made her uncomfortable.
- She felt terribly gauche at the formal dinner, unsure of which fork to use.
- It was considered gauche to discuss money at the party.
Advanced Usage
- Used in contrast: Often used to highlight a lack of the social ease that is expected in a particular setting.
- Amidst the poised diplomats, his enthusiastic but gauche interruptions were noticeable.
Variants and Related Words
- Gaucherie (noun): An awkward or tactless act or remark; social clumsiness.
- His loud laughter during the solemn speech was a serious gaucherie.
Synonyms
- Awkward
- Tactless
- Uncouth
- Maladroit
- Inept (socially)
Antonyms
- Suave
- Polished
- Debonair
- Urbane
- Tactful
Idioms and Phrases
- A gauche remark: A socially inappropriate or clumsy comment.
- He made several gauche remarks that silenced the room.
Adjective
- lacking social polish
- too gauche to leave the room when the conversation became intimate
- their excellent manners always made me feel gauche