Gaffe: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.