Gaffe: meaning, definitions and examples

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gaffe

[ɡæf ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

social situation

An unintentional act or remark causing embarrassment to its originator; a blunder.

Synonyms

blunder, faux pas, mistake.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gaffe	Use 'gaffe' to describe a social or public mistake, especially one made by a public figure or in formal settings. It often carries a sense of embarrassment. The politician's gaffe during the debate was widely reported in the media. She made a gaffe when she forgot the host's name at the party.
blunder	Use 'blunder' to describe a significant mistake, usually resulting from carelessness or lack of understanding. It often implies a serious error with considerable consequences. His blunder cost the company millions of dollars. They realized their blunder too late to fix it.
mistake	Use 'mistake' for a general term that can refer to any kind of error, whether minor or serious, in various contexts including daily activities, decisions, and judgments. She made a mistake on the math test. Forgetting the meeting was a mistake.
faux pas	Use 'faux pas' to describe a socially awkward or tactless act, particularly in situations where social norms or etiquette are expected to be followed. Wearing white to a wedding is often considered a major faux pas. He committed a faux pas by addressing the queen informally.

Examples of usage

She realized her gaffe and blushed.
His latest gaffe has caused quite a stir in the media.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

political context

A noticeable mistake made by a public figure that may have political consequences.

Synonyms

error, misstep, slip-up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gaffe	Use 'gaffe' mainly when referring to a social or diplomatic blunder, often something that causes embarrassment in public settings. He made a gaffe by forgetting the name of the guest of honor at the banquet. The politician's gaffe during the interview went viral on social media.
error	Use 'error' when referring to a mistake in judgment, calculation, or action that can occur in both formal and informal settings. There was an error in the financial report that needed immediate correction. I made an error by not checking the weather forecast before leaving the house.
slip-up	Use 'slip-up' in informal contexts to describe small mistakes or lapses, often without serious consequences. He made a slip-up by forgetting to lock the door. The baker had a small slip-up and added too much sugar to the recipe.
misstep	Use 'misstep' to talk about minor errors in judgment or actions, often temporary and usually less severe than a blunder. She realized her misstep when she misspoke during the meeting. The actor's misstep on stage caused a moment of awkward silence.

Examples of usage

The politician's gaffe during the debate cost him the election.
She made a gaffe during her speech that the opposition took advantage of.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'gaffe' comes from the French word for 'hook' or 'to hook,' relating to the idea of being caught in a mistake.
In the early 20th century, it began to be used in English to mean a social blunder or mistake.
The term likely evolved from theater slang, referring to a forgotten line or error during a performance.

Pop Culture

Political gaffes, like mix-ups in speeches, have often become viral moments on social media.
Famous actors and musicians have made gaffes at award shows, like awkward speeches that end up being meme material.
In television, comedic gaffes are frequently used to entertain viewers, showing actors breaking character or making mistakes.

Psychology

Making a gaffe can lead to feelings of embarrassment, which is a natural emotional response to social mistakes.
Studies show that laughing at one's own gaffe can help alleviate feelings of social anxiety and strengthen bonds with others.
Gaffes often serve as social learning experiences, where individuals learn acceptable behavior through the mistakes of themselves or others.

Literature

In classic literature, characters often find themselves in humorous situations due to gaffes, highlighting their flaws and making them more relatable.
Writers like Jane Austen used social blunders to critique societal norms and explore themes of propriety and acceptance.
Modern novels frequently employ gaffes to add comedic relief, allowing readers to connect with characters on a deeper level.

Translations

Translations of the word "gaffe" in other languages:

🇵🇹 gafe

🇮🇳 गलती

🇩🇪 Patzer

🇮🇩 kesalahan

🇺🇦 помилка

🇵🇱 gafa

🇯🇵 失態 (しったい)

🇫🇷 gaffe

🇪🇸 metedura de pata

🇹🇷 gaf

🇰🇷 실수

🇸🇦 زلة

🇨🇿 trapas

🇸🇰 trap

🇨🇳 失态

🇸🇮 napaka

🇮🇸 klaufaskapur

🇰🇿 қателік

🇬🇪 შეცდომა

🇦🇿 səhv

🇲🇽 metedura de pata

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,275, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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36272 bani
36273 electrocardiograph
36274 preened
36275 gaffe
36276 matchlock
36277 stoat
36278 outpacing
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