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gaffe

/ɡæf/ · gaf
noun
  1. A social blunder or embarrassing mistake, especially one made in a public setting. The politician's gaffe about the economy led to a significant loss in public support.
  2. A clumsy or awkward action, often resulting in an unintended consequence. The hiker's gaffe on the mountain trail led to a near-fall down a steep slope.
Did you know? The term 'gaffe' gained widespread usage in the 20th century, particularly in the context of politics, where it was used to describe embarrassing mistakes made by politicians in public speeches or interviews.
Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 2 lookups Added Aug 5, 2026