Gaffe Word Meaning

Etymology:

early 20th century: from French, literally ‘boathook’ (from Provençal gaf: see gaff), used colloquially to mean ‘blunder’

Audio Pronunciation:

Definition:

an unintentional act or remark causing embarrassment to its originator; a blunder

Short Definition:

unintentional act or remark causing embarrassment to its originator

Examples:

• in my first few months at work I made some real gaffes
• his comments are a major diplomatic gaffe