Faux pas
A faux pas (pronounced /ˌfoʊˈpɑː/, plural: faux pas /ˌfoʊˈpɑː(z)/) is a violation of accepted social rules (for example, standard customs or etiquette rules). Faux pas vary widely from culture to culture, and what is considered good manners in one culture can be considered a faux pas in another. The term comes originally from French, and literally means "false step".
This expression is usually used in social and diplomatic contexts. The term has been in use in English for some time and is no longer italicized when written. In French, it is employed literally to describe a physical loss of balance as well as figuratively, in which case the meaning is roughly the same as in English. Other familiar synonyms include gaffe and bourde (bourde, unlike faux pas, can designate any type of mistake).
See also
Cultural diversity
Etiquette
Etiquette in Africa
Etiquette in Asia
Etiquette in India
Etiquette in Australia and New Zealand
Etiquette in Canada and the United States
Etiquette in Europe
Etiquette in Latin America
Etiquette in the Middle East
Intercultural competence
Worldwide etiquette
Translation
The phrase "Faux pas" occurs as such in the following languages: English, Czech, French, Hebrew, Malay, Dutch, Slovak.
Translation(s) in other languages: German: Fauxpas, Polish: Gafa, Portuguese: Deslize, Turkish: Gaf.
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