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Definition of gaffe

gaffe

/ɡæf/
gaffe
Plural:gaffes
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gaffe Lexical Profile

gaffe Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An unintentional act or remark causing embarrassment to its originator; a social or diplomatic blunder.

Example

"The candidate's careless remark during the debate was widely criticized as a major political gaffe."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for gaffe

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'gaffe' (a social or verbal blunder) with its homophone 'gaff' (a barbed fishing spear, a nautical spar, or a stage lighting rig).

• Rhymes for gaffe

• Nearby Words

gadgety
gadwall
gaff
gaffe
gaffer
gag
gaga

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 20th century from French 'gaffe' (meaning a blunder or awkward remark), which originally meant a boat hook and derives from Old Provençal 'gafar' (to seize or hook).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gaffe. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gaffe
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