Pronunciation: [ɡˈaf] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "gaffe" may seem tricky at first, but once you understand its pronunciation, it becomes clear. "Gaffe" is pronounced \ˈɡæf\ and follows the pattern of a short "a" sound followed by a double consonant "ff." Remembering the pronunciation can also help with remembering the correct spelling. A "gaffe" is a social or diplomatic mistake or blunder, so be sure to avoid any embarrassing gaffes by using the correct spelling.
A gaffe is a noun that refers to an embarrassing or unintentional mistake, blunder, or social misstep. It characterizes an act, statement, or behavior that is considered tactless, inappropriate, and often causes discomfiture or awkwardness for the person who committed it. The term is derived from the French word "gaffe," which translates to "clumsy remark" or "faux pas."
Typically, a gaffe occurs when someone says or does something that is either inappropriate for the situation, reveals ignorance, violates social norms, or unintentionally insults or offends others. For instance, mistakenly addressing someone by the wrong name, revealing a secret or sensitive information, making an offensive remark, or displaying ignorance about a particular cultural custom can all be categorized as gaffes.
Gaffes often happen due to a lack of awareness, poor judgment, carelessness, or ignorance of the facts or appropriate behavior in a given context. Politicians, celebrities, and public figures are especially prone to committing gaffes due to their constant media visibility and the scrutiny they face from the public. These blunders, being publicized, can have significant consequences, including damaging reputations, leading to public backlash, or even affecting careers.
Overall, a gaffe is an inadvertent and regrettable mistake or blunder that results in social discomfort or embarrassment for the person responsible, but it can also trigger negative consequences in various contexts due to public scrutiny and judgment.
The word "gaffe" entered the English language in the early 20th century from French. Its etymology traces back to the French word "gaffe", which means "clumsy remark" or "blunder". The origin of the French term is uncertain, but it may have derived from the Old Provençal word "gafar", meaning "mock" or "jest", or from the Middle Low German word "gaffel", which translates to "spear" or "fork". Over time, the meaning of "gaffe" in English has evolved to describe an embarrassing or tactless mistake or remark.
