contretemps
Minor embarrassing incident
A contretemps is an unfortunate occurrence or mishap, especially an awkward or embarrassing one: There was a minor contretemps at the reception when two guests wore identical dresses.
The word can also mean a disagreement or clash between people: a contretemps between the director and the lead actor.
From French, it retains its French pronunciation and plural spelling.
Absence of shared opinion
- quarrelAngry verbal dispute
- argumentReasoned case or dispute
- clashViolent disagreement or collision
- altercationHeated verbal dispute
squabble · spat · tiff · conflict · friction · row · wrangle · bickering
Social misstep or indiscretion
- gaffeClumsy social error
- embarrassmentSelf-conscious unease
- awkwardnessLack of grace or ease
- indiscretionUnwise act or remark
gaucherie · tactlessness · blunder · slip-up · fumble · bungle · inelegance · maladroitness
Reverse in progress
- hitchTemporary difficulty or snag
- snagUnforeseen complication
- hiccupSpasmodic breath intake
- complicationFactor that adds difficulty
difficulty · obstacle · snafu · glitch · inconvenience · delay · disruption · unforeseen event
Pleasantly strange or unusual
- syncopationStressed unexpected beats
- allegroBrisk tempo marking
- jetéBallet jumping step
disagreement
Absence of shared opinion
altercation · squabble · spat · tiff · conflict · friction · row · wrangle · bickering · misunderstanding
faux pas
Social misstep or indiscretion
- gaffeClumsy social error
- embarrassmentSelf-conscious unease
- awkwardnessLack of grace or ease
indiscretion · gaucherie · tactlessness · blunder · slip-up · fumble · bungle · inelegance · maladroitness · discomfort
setback
Reverse in progress
complication · difficulty · obstacle · snafu · glitch · inconvenience · delay · disruption · unforeseen event · bad timing
offbeat
Pleasantly strange or unusual
- syncopationStressed unexpected beats
- allegroBrisk tempo marking
- jetéBallet jumping step
contretempsblessing
Prayer seeking divine favor
stroke of luck · godsend · boon · windfall · miracle
contretempsaccord
Harmony between parties
harmony · agreement · understanding · meeting of minds · entente