faux pas

/ˌfoʊ ˈpɑː/ French Origin Culture

Original Word

faux pas

French

Entered English

17th century

First recorded usage in English

The Story Behind "faux pas"

From French 'faux pas', literally 'false step'. A social blunder or breach of etiquette. The phrase entered English in the 17th century as the language of diplomacy and high society.

Example Usage

"Asking about her ex-husband at the party was a serious faux pas."

All French Loanwords Look Up in Dictionary

More French Loanwords

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