gaffe

gaffe /ɡæf/ noun [countableC] → gaff

MISTAKEan embarrassing mistake made in a social situation or in public 〔在社交场合或大庭广众下的〕出丑，失礼，失言 SYN faux pas

The consul’s comments were a major diplomatic gaffe.

领事的评论是一次重大的外交失言。

► see thesaurus at mistake

Examples from the Corpus

gaffe• A gaffe of a different order from those for which he apologized.• Here, computer-illiterate small-time capitalists can commit gaffes, like holding the mouse upside down, without being seen.• A cultural gaffe would invite a pounding.• When she realized she had mistaken him for his brother, she was horrified at her gaffe.• In France, using the familiar form "tu" ("you") in a business setting would be a major gaffe.• The minister is well known for making gaffes in his speeches.• Even with the occasional gaffe, marketers say placing products in movies is an increasingly important way to enhance exposure.• If elected he would be almost seventy as he took office; some spectacular gaffes during the campaign did not inspire confidence.• The Chargers took advantage of the gaffe on their very first play.

Origin gaffe

(1900-2000) French → GAFF

Chinese

Corpus