gaffe
/ɡæf/
noun
- An embarrassing social mistake or blunder, especially one that is made in public or in a formal situation.
- During the wedding toast, he committed a gaffe by accidentally mentioning the bride's ex-boyfriend.
- Her gaffe at the business meeting — calling the CEO by the wrong name — left everyone in awkward silence.
- The politician made a major gaffe when he forgot the name of the country he was visiting.