Faux pas

A faux pas (pronEng|ˌfoʊˈpɑː, plural: "faux pas" IPA|/ˌfoʊˈpɑː(z)/) is a violation of accepted social rules (for example, standard customs or etiquette rules). Faux pas vary widely from culture to culture, and what is considered good manners in one culture can be considered a faux pas in another. The term comes originally from French, and literally means "false step".

For example, in English-speaking Western countries, it is sometimes considered a thoughtful gesture to bring a bottle of wine when going to someone's house for dinner. However, in France, if the dinner is formal, this is considered insulting as it suggests that the hosts are unable to provide their own good wine. More generally, to bring wine to the home of a known teetotaler might suggest ignorance, obstinacy, or ill intent.

This expression is usually used in social and diplomatic contexts. The singular and plural forms of the term are identical. The term has been in use in English for some time and is no longer italicized when written. In French, it is employed literally to describe a physical loss of balance as well as figuratively, in which case the meaning is roughly the same as in English. Other familiar synonyms include "gaffe" and "bourde" ("bourde", unlike faux-pas, can designate any type of mistake).

See also

*Cultural diversity
*Etiquette
*Etiquette in Africa
*Etiquette in Asia
*Etiquette in Australia and New Zealand
*Etiquette in Canada and the United States
*Etiquette in Europe
*Etiquette in Latin America
*Etiquette in the Middle East
*Intercultural competence
*Worldwide etiquette