social embarrassment
Cringe-inducing moment
Social embarrassment is the uncomfortable self-consciousness that comes from violating social norms or being exposed in an unflattering way before others.
It ranges from minor awkwardness to deep humiliation: I still cringe at the social embarrassment of calling my teacher "Mom".
Unlike private shame, social embarrassment requires an audience—real or imagined—who witnesses the misstep.
- blushFacial reddening from emotion
- cringeShrink from discomfort
- awkwardLacking grace or ease
- awkward silenceUncomfortable lull in conversation
- humiliationLoss of dignity
shame · mortified · faux pas · foot in mouth · red-faced · gaffe · uncomfortable · squirm · fumble · stammer · spotlight · witness · public · exposed · clumsy · apologize · recover · nervous laughter
social embarrassmentpoise
Graceful, unshakable calm
composure · self-assurance · aplomb · grace under pressure · unflappability
social, society, societal, socialize, socialization, sociable, sociability, socially, unsocial