la gaffe
blunder · watch out
Erreur faite par distraction ou maladresse.
Gaffe (pronounced [ɡaf]) is a French word that is also commonly used in English with the same meaning.
Meaning
-
Mistake / Blunder:
In French, gaffe refers to a social or diplomatic blunder, a mistake, or a slip that can cause embarrassment or trouble. It's often used when someone says or does something inappropriate or tactless. -
**Situation}}:
It can also denote an awkward or unfortunate situation resulting from such a mistake.
Parts
- Gaffe is a standalone noun in French and is feminine: une gaffe.
- The plural form is des gaffes.
Synonyms in French
- Méprise (misunderstanding)
- Erreur (error, mistake)
- Bourde (blunder)
- Faux pas (literally "false step," social mistake)
Antonyms
- Succès (success)
- Réussite (success, achievement)
- Exactitude (accuracy)
Usage
In English too, gaffe is used especially in diplomatic or political contexts:
- He committed a political gaffe during the debate.
In French:
- Il a fait une grosse gaffe en oubliant son discours.
(He made a big blunder by forgetting his speech.)
Summary:
A gaffe is a mistake or blunder, especially one causing embarrassment or trouble, often due to social or diplomatic tactlessness. It refers to slip-ups in speech or behavior.
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Examples
Fais attention à ne pas faire de gaffe.noun
Be careful not to make a blunder.
Gaffe ! Le sol est mouillé et tu pourrais tomber.interjection
Watch out! The floor is wet and you could fall.
Ses gaffes répétées ont fini par l'embarrasser.noun
His repeated blunders ended up embarrassing him.
Tout le monde a ri de sa gaffe.noun
Everyone laughed at his blunder.
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