Definition

Noun: 1. A grammatical mistake or a nonstandard usage in language: A violation of the conventional rules of grammar, syntax, or idiom. 2. A breach of good manners or etiquette; a social blunder: An act or behavior that is considered improper, awkward, or tactless in a social context.

Usage Examples

• As a grammatical error:
  • Using "ain't" in formal writing is considered a solecism.
  • The phrase "between you and I" is a common solecism for "between you and me".
• As a social blunder:
  • Arriving at a formal dinner in jeans was a major solecism.
  • Asking about someone's salary is a social solecism in many cultures.

Advanced Usage

• "To commit a solecism": This is the standard phrase used to describe making either type of mistake.
  • The diplomat was careful not to commit a solecism during the delicate negotiations.
• The term often implies a mistake that reveals a lack of education, refinement, or awareness of social norms.

Variants and Related Words

• Solecistic (adjective): Characterized by or involving a solecism.
  • His solecistic language made his report difficult to take seriously.

Synonyms

• Grammatical sense: Error, mistake, impropriety, barbarism.
• Social sense: Faux pas, gaffe, blunder, indiscretion, impropriety.

Idioms and Related Phrases

• While "solecism" itself is not typically part of a larger idiom, it is synonymous with the French-derived phrase "faux pas", which is very commonly used in English to mean a social blunder.
  • Forgetting the host's name was an embarrassing faux pas.

Noun

1. a socially awkward or tactless act