gaucheries
Awkward tactless moments
Gaucheries are socially awkward or tactless acts—the kinds of blunders that make others wince.
The word comes from French, where it suggests left-handedness or clumsiness.
A single gaucherie might be forgiven; repeated gaucheries mark someone as lacking social grace: His gaucheries at the dinner party became legendary.
Social misstep or indiscretion
- gaffeClumsy social error
- indiscretionUnwise act or remark
- improprietyUnsuitable or inappropriate behavior
- solecismGrammatical or social blunder
breach · misstep · tactlessness · infelicity · clanger · blooper · howler · slip-up
Lack of physical grace
- ineleganceLack of polish
- maladroitnessLack of skill or coordination
- gracelessnessLack of smooth movement
- ungainlinessLack of physical grace
gawkiness · stiffness · ineptitude · artlessness · boorishness · crudeness · roughness · coarseness
Customs of polite conduct
- protocolPrescribed conduct rules
- decorumFitting social conduct
- proprietyCorrectness of conduct
- courtesyRespectful, considerate behavior
politeness · civility · tact · diplomacy · refinement · savoir-faire · breeding · comportment
faux pas
Social misstep or indiscretion
- gaffeClumsy social error
- indiscretionUnwise act or remark
- improprietyUnsuitable or inappropriate behavior
solecism · breach · misstep · tactlessness · infelicity · clanger · blooper · howler · slip-up · embarrassment
clumsiness
Lack of physical grace
- ineleganceLack of polish
- maladroitnessLack of skill or coordination
- gracelessnessLack of smooth movement
ungainliness · gawkiness · stiffness · ineptitude · artlessness · boorishness · crudeness · roughness · coarseness · unsophistication
manners
Customs of polite conduct
courtesy · politeness · civility · tact · diplomacy · refinement · savoir-faire · breeding · comportment · social graces
gaucheriesgraces
Adorns or dignifies
elegancies · tact · savoir-faire · social graces · refinements
gaucheriessophistications
Advanced complexity or worldliness
refinement · savoir-vivre · elegance · sophistication · worldliness