noun

gaffe

/ɡæf/ · say it: GAF

an embarrassing public mistake

In From the Front Page

In more detail

1. (noun) a mistake or blunder, especially an embarrassing or tactless one in a social situation

Examples

He made a terrible gaffe when he asked about her ex-husband at the dinner party.

How to use gaffe

A gaffe is an unintentional mistake, typically one that is notably embarrassing or tactless, often in a social or public context. It differs from synonyms like 'blunder' (which can be more serious or consequential) and 'faux pas' (which emphasizes violation of social etiquette). Gaffes are particularly common in political discourse and media commentary.

Common phrases

commit a gaffe
social gaffe
embarrassing gaffe
political gaffe
make a gaffe

Synonyms

blunder · mistake · slip · faux pas · misstep

Word family

gaffes (plural)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'gaffe' for intentional or deliberate rudeness, when it specifically refers to accidental or unintentional errors.

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