Gaffe Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
gaffe
[ษกรฆf ]
Definitions
social situation
An unintentional act or remark causing embarrassment to its originator; a blunder.
Synonyms
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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Examples of usage
- She realized her gaffe and blushed.
- His latest gaffe has caused quite a stir in the media.
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.
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| error |
Use 'error' when referring to a mistake in judgment, calculation, or action that can occur in both formal and informal settings.
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| slip-up |
Use 'slip-up' in informal contexts to describe small mistakes or lapses, often without serious consequences.
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| misstep |
Use 'misstep' to talk about minor errors in judgment or actions, often temporary and usually less severe than a blunder.
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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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'gaffe'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'gaffe' originated from French in the late 18th century, meaning 'an unintentional remark.' It later evolved to include acts causing embarrassment. The word gained popularity in English due to its frequent use in social and political contexts.