noun
contretemps
KAHN-truh-tahn/ˈkɑːntrətɑ̃ː/
A minor unexpected mishap that causes embarrassment or difficulty.
A spilled drink causes a minor contretemps at the otherwise elegant dinner.
Etymology
“Against time” evokes a movement made at the wrong moment. The fencing sense “blunder” broadened to an unexpected or embarrassing event, and later to a disagreement.
More examples
- She handles the contretemps over the missing reservation with a calm smile.
- A few contretemps delay the ceremony, but everyone stays cheerful.
- Apart from a brief contretemps with the projector, the presentation went smoothly.
Forms
contretemps
Similar words
- mishap
- Emphasizes an unlucky accident rather than its social awkwardness.
- snag
- Emphasizes an obstacle to progress rather than social embarrassment.