Gauche: meaning, definitions and examples

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gauche

[ɡoʊʃ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

social behavior

Lacking social grace, tact, or sophistication; awkward or tactless.

Synonyms

awkward, clumsy, tactless.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gauche	Used to describe someone who is socially awkward or lacking social grace. This word often implies a lack of sophistication or finesse. His gauche comments made everyone at the dinner table uncomfortable. She felt gauche at the formal event, unsure of how to behave.
awkward	Refers to situations or people that cause discomfort or embarrassment. It can also describe physical inelegance or difficulty in performing tasks. The silence after his joke was awkward. She looked awkward trying to carry all those boxes by herself.
clumsy	Describes someone who often has accidents or makes mistakes, usually due to a lack of coordination or care. It can also refer to poorly executed actions. He knocked over the vase in his usual clumsy manner. Her clumsy attempt at fixing the lamp only made it worse.
tactless	Implies a lack of sensitivity in dealing with others. It often refers to comments or actions that are unintentionally offensive or hurtful. His tactless remark about her cooking offended everyone at the table. She made a tactless comment about his appearance, not realizing how hurtful it was.

Examples of usage

She always felt a little gauche at formal events.
His gauche attempt at a joke fell flat.
The new intern's gauche behavior was often a source of amusement for the rest of the team.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

French origin

A person who lacks social grace, tact, or sophistication.

Synonyms

boor, clod, klutz.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gauche	Used to describe someone who is socially awkward or lacking in social graces, mannerisms, or sophistication. Her dinner party was a disaster because she made several gauche comments that offended her guests
klutz	Informal term for a person who is clumsy or accident-prone. Often used in a more lighthearted or affectionate manner. I tripped over my own feet again; sometimes I feel like such a klutz
boor	Refers to a person who is rude, ill-mannered, or insensitive. It has a negative connotation. He acted like a total boor at the wedding, interrupting the speeches and talking loudly over everyone
clod	Describes someone who is stupid, awkward, or clumsy, often lacking sensitivity or intelligence. It has a negative connotation. Don't let that clod handle the delicate glassware; he'll break something for sure

Examples of usage

She was considered a gauche by the elite members of the society.
The novel portrayed the protagonist as a gauche trying to fit in with the upper class.
In the play, the character of the gauche provided comic relief.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'gauche' comes from the French word for 'left', which is interesting because the left side has often been associated with awkwardness in different cultures.
In English, 'gauche' first appeared in the mid-19th century, originally describing someone who was unskillful or clumsy.
Its initial meanings often tied to physical awkwardness, which has evolved to imply social clumsiness.

Cultural Associations

In literature, characters described as gauche often lack social skills, creating humor or sympathy among readers.
Films frequently portray gauche characters to illustrate the contrast between social norms and individual behavior, such as in romantic comedies.
Socialite culture often frowns upon gauche behavior, highlighting the importance of etiquette in affluent circles.

Psychology

Feeling gauche can lead to social anxiety, affecting how people interact in groups.
Psychologists suggest that those who feel socially inept may benefit from practicing social skills in low-pressure environments.
Many studies show that perceived social awkwardness can stem from a lack of social exposure or experience.

Art and Literature

In art, 'gauche' has been used to describe works that defy traditional techniques, often celebrated for their raw authenticity.
Writers have used gauche protagonists to explore themes of isolation and the quest for acceptance, enhancing character development.
Gauche can also be a deliberate stylistic choice in postmodern literature, reflecting the complexities of modern relationships.

Sociology

Social norms around what is considered 'gauche' vary widely between cultures, demonstrating the fluidity of manners.
The concept of being gauche is often linked to cultural capital, influencing one’s position within social hierarchies.
In many societies, it's not uncommon for people to feel gauche during transitions, like moving to a new place or entering a new school.

Translations

Translations of the word "gauche" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esquerdo

🇮🇳 बायाँ

🇩🇪 links

🇮🇩 kiri

🇺🇦 ліворуч

🇵🇱 lewy

🇯🇵 左

🇫🇷 gauche

🇪🇸 izquierdo

🇹🇷 sol

🇰🇷 왼쪽

🇸🇦 يسار

🇨🇿 levý

🇸🇰 ľavý

🇨🇳 左

🇸🇮 levi

🇮🇸 vinstri

🇰🇿 сол

🇬🇪 მარცხენა

🇦🇿 sol

🇲🇽 izquierdo

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,409, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
28406 prattle
28407 cowered
28408 ostracized
28409 gauche
28410 overtone
28411 atoned
28412 squirt
...