noun
gaucherie
goh-shuh-REE/ˌɡəʊʃəˈri/
Awkward or tactless behavior in social situations.
Their gaucherie shows as one offers a hug, the other a handshake.
Etymology
French gauche meant ‘awkward,’ and gaucherie turns that description into a name for awkward behavior. It can describe a general lack of social tact or a particular awkward action.
More examples
- His question about her salary is pure gaucherie.
- She forgives his gaucherie and gently changes the subject.
- He cringed at his own gaucherie after interrupting the toast.
Forms
gaucherie · gaucheries
gauche adjective — Awkward or tactless in social situations.
Similar words
- awkwardness
- Broader than gaucherie; also describes physical clumsiness or discomfort.
- tactlessness
- Focuses on insensitive remarks or actions rather than general awkwardness.