From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishgaffegaffe /ɡæf/ noun [countable]MISTAKEan embarrassingmistake made in a social situation or in publicSYN faux pas
The consul’s comments were a major diplomatic gaffe.► see thesaurus at mistakeExamples from the Corpusgaffe• A gaffe of a different order from those for which he apologized.• Here, computer-illiterate small-timecapitalists can commitgaffes, like holding the mouseupside down, without being seen.• A culturalgaffe would invite a pounding.• When she realized she had mistaken him for his brother, she was horrified at her gaffe.• The minister is well known for making gaffes in his speeches.• Even with the occasionalgaffe, marketers say placing products in movies is an increasingly important way to enhanceexposure.• If elected he would be almost seventy as he took office; some spectaculargaffes during the campaign did not inspireconfidence.• The Chargers took advantage of the gaffe on their very first play.Origingaffe(1900-2000)French → GAFF
