gaffe Definition
an unintentional act or remark causing embarrassment to its originator; a blunder.
Using gaffe: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "gaffe" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He made a gaffe by calling his boss by the wrong name.
Example
The politician's gaffe was widely criticized in the media.
Example
She committed a gaffe by wearing inappropriate attire to the formal event.
gaffe Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with gaffe
Example
The CEO committed a gaffe by making an inappropriate joke during the meeting.
social gaffe
a mistake or blunder made in social situations that causes embarrassment
Example
She committed a social gaffe by forgetting her host's name at the party.
a mistake or blunder made by a politician that causes embarrassment or damage to their reputation
Example
The candidate's political gaffe during the debate cost him many votes.
Origins of gaffe
from French 'gaufre', meaning 'a honeycomb or waffle'
Summary: gaffe in Brief
The term 'gaffe' [ɡæf] refers to an unintentional act or remark that causes embarrassment, often due to a mistake or blunder. It can occur in various contexts, such as social or political situations, exemplified by 'She committed a social gaffe by forgetting her host's name at the party.' 'Gaffe' is synonymous with 'faux pas' and 'slip-up,' and can be formalized as 'blunder' or 'mistake.'