Gaffe is a noun and is defined as a socially awkward or tactless act. There is no agreement on the etymology of the word gaffe; however, it is theorized that the word gaffe may have originated from French, German, Scottish, or English. Most data leans towards gaffe being borrowed from the French word gaffe (clumsy remark). The original definition of gaffe (gaff) meant boat hook; however, the connection between clumsy and boat hook is unknown. Gaff can be further traced back to the Latin word gaffare (to seize). A recently added word to the Lexicon, gaffe was first used between 1905-1910.
SynonymÂ
Faux pas
Sentence
She made an embarrassing gaffe at the birthday party she threw for her sister-in-law last month.
Main sources
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gaffe
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/gaffe?s=t
https://www.etymonline.com/word/gaffe
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