gaffe
/ɡæf/
Group 22Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (noun)
- An unintentional act or remark causing embarrassment to its originator; a blunder GRE
Example in Context
The diplomat's gaffe at the state dinner, mispronouncing the host nation's name three times, became a viral embarrassment.
Synonyms
blundermistakeslip-up
Etymology
Originally referring to a mistake made by an inexperienced person, now a blunder.
- gaffer (English) — an old man
Memory Aid
🦒Sounds like “giraffe”
A giraffe trying to blend in but accidentally sticking its head in a tree — what a GAFFE!
Visual Association
😳A person tripping on stage, knocking over a microphone, and turning bright red from embarrassment.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “gaffe” mean on the GRE?
gaffe (noun) means “An unintentional act or remark causing embarrassment to its originator; a blunder”. The diplomat's gaffe at the state dinner, mispronouncing the host nation's name three times, became a viral embarrassment.
How to remember “gaffe” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “gaffe” sounds like “giraffe”. A giraffe trying to blend in but accidentally sticking its head in a tree — what a GAFFE!
What are synonyms for “gaffe”?
Common synonyms: blunder, mistake, slip-up.