Question

Faux pas means:

• A. Pausing for a while
• B. Passage of time
• C. Tactless mistake
• D. Cheating

Hint:

Many English expressions like “faux pas” are direct borrowings from French; knowing the literal meaning of each word often reveals the intended sense.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The term “Faux pas” is borrowed from French, where “faux” means “false” or “wrong” and “pas” means “step”.
Literally, it translates to “false step”, but in English usage it refers to a socially awkward or tactless act or remark.
This is commonly used in etiquette, diplomacy, and social interactions to indicate that someone made a mistake that violates social norms.
For example, forgetting someone’s name during an introduction, or making an inappropriate comment at a formal event, can be considered a faux pas.
Option (a) “Pausing for a while” has no connection to the meaning of this term.
Option (b) “Passage of time” relates to the flow of time and is irrelevant to social mistakes.
Option (d) “Cheating” refers to dishonesty for personal gain, which is not the meaning here.
Thus, the correct interpretation is “tactless mistake” — a blunder that shows a lack of social awareness.