1. an embarrassing mistake made in a social situation or in public

Examples

• The politician’s gaffe about unemployment statistics hurt his campaign.
• She made a social gaffe by asking about his divorce at the party.
• The reporter’s gaffe during the live broadcast went viral online.
• His cultural gaffe of wearing shoes in the temple offended the hosts.
• The CEO’s gaffe in the interview caused the company’s stock to drop.
• It was a major gaffe to mispronounce the ambassador’s name.