History of Faux Pas

Faux Pas originated in France in 1670. Merriam-Webster defines the term as “an embarrassing social mistake.” The literal translation is “false step,” faux meaning (“false”) and pas (“step”). A faux pas could be a social blunder, misstep, or mistake suggesting misconduct. For example, passing gas in public is considered a faux pas because it is indecorous behavior.

The term is applicable in social settings defining improper actions. According to InnovateUs, the French find being overly accommodating during business dealings faux pas. In those instances, faux pas trigger hesitations because the amiable behavior is inappropriate during business affairs.

Faux pas has become a common foreign term used in the English language. In France, faux pas is a loss of physical balance. Words like gaffe, indiscretion, impropriety, or solecism are synonyms. An example of a faux pas used in a sentence is, “a model committed a faux pas when she slipped on her heels and hurt her knee.

The term faux pas is a common phrase in the fashion world referring to celebrities improperly dressed for an occasion. A fashion faux pas can imply an erroneous hairdo, makeup, or wardrobe. For example, Lady Gaga’s public appearances tend to come chased with fashion police criticisms. Her flamboyant fashion faux pas attract media attention. Similarly, fashion models who sport hideous hairstyles commit a faux pas.